





^\ SV.>.^ \ 




i 



^^ -<^^< 






%l^i 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



~B-t8 



m 



G^p G3jp.|rir;frUj0. 



Shelf 



f.^ 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



10*/ 



* .; 





UuJ <i/.C^(?^0M^ 




BIOGRAPHY 



OP 



Lieut. Col. Julius P. GareschI:, 

ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, U. S. ARMY. 



BY 

HIS SON. 






PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY. 




PRESS OF 
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY, PHILADELPHIA. )»., 

18 87. 



-V 






I 



Copyright, 1887, by Louis Garesche. 



>vi. 








DEDIOATIOK 



Co tf)t iHemotg 

OF 

MY DAELING DECEASED PARENTS, 

TO THAT OF MY DKAR LITTLE BROTHERS AND SISTER 

(JULIO, LOUISE, EDGAE, AND LAUREAL), 

AND TO MY THREE BELOVED SISTERS 

(MARIE, TAVIE, AND ADELE), 

DO I LOVINGLY DEDICATE THIS BIOGRAPHY. 

THE AUTHOR. 




I J. 



PEEFAOE. 



In introducing the Biography of my Father to his and my 
Mother's relatives, friends, and to others, I hope that I may be 
given a little allowance for my style, composition and plan, inas- 
much as I am an inexperienced writer and this is my first, as it 
probably may be my last, literary undertaking. It is solely my 
devoted and admiring love for my sainted and noble Father 
which has impelled me, and my desire that his great name may 
be known even more widely and be perpetuated to a remote age, 
as also that his Life may be the means of doing good to men 
without distinction of creed ; for he truly deserved the appella- 
tion which so many who knew him have given him — "the 
American Bayard, the American Chevalier sans peur et sans re- 
proche." 

It had been the intention of Lieut. Col. Alex. J. Dallas, U. S. 
Army, a Catholic gentleman of great literary ability, to write 
a brief Memoir of him several years ago for insertion in some 
Catholic magazine or paper. Ill health compelled him to refrain 
from doing so, and I, feeling assured, from a strange — even 
wonderful — little circumstance which occurred to me not long 
after (early part of July, 1884), that it was God's and my dear 
Parents' desire that the work should be entirely my own, at once 
commenced the labor of love (August, 1884) and have since, 
during my spare moments from my other necessary duties, de- 
voted myself, heart and soul, to the undertaking, sacrificing my- 
self in every way and bearing up against all manner of disap- 
pointments, sorrows, trials, doubts and anxieties of mind, in 



vi PREFACE. 

addition to poor health, engendered by my constant occupation, 
and to naturally weak eyes. ' Only my devoted love for my 
Father and Mother and my hope that I was acting as God and 
His Blessed Mother willed, was able to carry me through and 
enable me to persevere. And now, thanks to the Divine Mercy, 
I am at the end of my labor of love, and if all my trials and 
sacrifices shall be productive of making ray work successful and 
causing it to bring forth good fruit, wlieresoever it may appear, 
I shall feel well repaid and shall be very content and happy. 

I trust that the manner in whicli I have brought my matter, 
so different perhaps to the generality of Biographies, may not 
reflect upon mine. It was a plan I adopted, on mature consid- 
eration, deeming it the best. 

Throughout I have called my Father by his Christian name, 
Julius, as also my Mother by hers, Mariquitta, so as to avoid 
creating any confusion when mentioning other members of their 
families whose names were necessarily introduced. 

All my Father's and Mother's letters were written in French, 
as also many of the letters written to me by different persons 
which I have inserted and have myself translated, and for the 
greater part of the translations of my Parents' letters I am 
indebted to my beloved sister Adele and to my noble hearted 
uncle Alexander, the balance being translated by myself. I have 
compared all these translations with great care, ^vord for loord, 
with the originals, and I have examined also most thoroughly 
every thing which is embraced in ray work, going over, with 
great pains, each and every particular. Moreover, after finish- 
ing ray work I subraitted it for criticism to certain of ray rel- 
atives and friends, and then revised the whole from their and 
ray own criticisms. Still, if there arc any inaccuracies remaining, 
I raust beg the kind indulgence of ray readers. 

In inserting descriptive letters and extracts of letters about 
my Father to myself, I have endeavored to place them where I 



PREFACE. ^j- 



deemed they suited best a certain period of his life, and in com- 
mencing their insertion I took the liberty of changing the ex- 
pression "your fether, etc./' to that of "Col. Garesch^" and 
"Julius," so as to preserve an unbroken uniformity of style. 
At the end of the Biography I have given some that speak of 
him in general terms, and as such I considered them a fittino- 
and beautiful finale to his grand and noble life, and here I did 
not change their direction to me. 

To my beloved sisters, loving relatives, kind friends, and to 
others, who have in any way given me information, encourage- 
ment, or assistance of any kind, whether material or by prayer : 
to each and all of them — for they are too many in number for 
me to mention all their names— I do herewith, from the bottom 
of my heart, tender my most grateful and sincere thanks, hoping 
that what I can only express in w-ords my dear Father will repay 
in blessings. Once more trusting that all those who knew him, 
or only knew of him, will appreciate and not contemn the pro- 
duction of my devoted heart but inexi^erienced hand, I subscribe 
myself the loving son and warmest admirer of the o-allaut. 
noble, and sainted Julius P. GrARESCHfe. 

The Author — Louis GarescM. 
Washington, D. C, May 3rd, 1887. 



c o isr T E isr T s. 



CHAPTER I. 

PACiE 

Julius' ancestry — the Garesche and Bauduy Families . 17 

CHAPTER II. 

Julius' Parents ..... 27 

CHAPTER III. 

Julius' birth— childhood— College life— Latin letter— desire to become 
a practical Catholic and consent of his father — remarks of his college 
chum, Mr. John T. Doyle, and of Fathers Stonestreet, Clarke, and 
Ward of the Cdllege— application for and appointment as cadet to 
West Point— anecdote of his missing the train 35 

CHAPTER IV. 

His life at West Point — accident while home on furlough and manly 
fortitude— appointed A. A. Professor of French— severe illness just 
before graduation — graduation and assignment to the 4th Artillery — 
curious thing about his Class — remarks of Professors Kendrick and 
Bartlett and Classmates Generals Don Carlos Buell, F. F. Flint and 
Z. B. Tower— a manuscript of Julius— departure to spend his gradu- 
ating furlough with his relatives and family— horse named after him 49 

CHAPTER V. 

Julius joins his family in St. Louis— narrow escapes from imminent 
death— ioins his Company and military history therewith — receives 
degree "of A. M. from Georgetown College— his letter to Alexander 
descriptive of tlie Provincial Council in Baltimore — receiving Holy 
Communion monthly in full uniform — chastising an insulting civilian 
— detailed on Recruiting Service— promoted First Lieutenant — 
departure for the Mexican War — remarks of Col. Joseph Stewart — 
important and flattering positions assigned to during tne War and 
afterwards— noble conduct about duel an insulting ofBcer tried to force 
on him— departure for St. Louis on Leave — Retreat at Florissant to 
determine whether or not he should embrace the Religious life — 
meeting with Mariquitta — his personal appearance — description of 
Mariquitta — their marriage 62 

CHAPTER VI. 

Family of De Coudroy de Laureal— Mariquitta's parents — herself 

ix 



79 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

PAGE 

Departure of Julius with Mariquitta for his post in Texas — their early 
married life there — his appointment as A. A. Quartermaster and A. 
Commissary of Subsistence of the Post — Mariquitta's return to the 
homestead of Limours — scourge of the Asiatic Cholera and Julius' 
tender devotion to the afflicted ........ 85 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Kemoval of the troops to Fort Brown — remarks of an old lay Brother 
— Julius' great assistance to the Church and Mgr. Odin's testimony 
— forcible incident of Julius' humility of character — his letter to 
Mariquitta's mother on occasion of Octavie's First Communion — 
birth of Julio — Julius' wrongful arrest bj' his Commanding Officer — 
his ardent desire to see his wife and little son ..... 94 

CHAPTER IX. 

Departure of Mariquitta with her baby to join Julius — their arrival at 
Fort Brown and its death and her own severe illness — Julius' perfect 
and most tender devotion to his dying child and herself . . .98 

CHAPTER X. 

Julius' release from arrest — desire to have his innocence proved by a 
Military Tribunal — his description of his position in the Army in 
rank — Mariquitta's grief over the loss of hfr Julio and resignation 
to the Will of God— life of herself and .Julius at the Fort — Brother 
Roudet's remarks — Julius' great charity to the poor — his intense love 
for Mariquitta — flattering encomium of the Inspector General on 
excellent appearance and drill of his Company — regard of his Supe- 
riors for him — intention of General Brooke, Military Governor of 
Texas, to take him as his Aide-de-Camp to California and desire of 
his Lieut.-Colonel of Regiment, General Walbach, to have him 
appointed as his Adjutant should he receive the command of the 
Regiment . . . . . . . . . . . .110 

CHAPTER XI. 

Arrival of Abbe Domenech at Brownsville — his remarks — the .Jubilee 
— Mariquitta's description of .Julius' intense love for hei'self — her 
dangerous illness and birth of Louise — Julius' beautiful devotion to 
Mariquitta, his pious resignation and devout gratitude to God upon 
her recovery — her promise to God to invite Abbe Domenech to take 
his meals with them 126 

CHAPTER XII. 

Julius' sickness — his absorbing interest and occasional disheartenment 
about his Court Martial — application of General Walbach to have 
him detailed as his Adjutant — Mariquitta's sadness over the loss of 
her children and longings to return to Limours with Julius — her 
resignation — termination of the Court and transfer of Major Porter 
— Julius' and Mariquitta's subsequent nobleness to him — her present 
from Pope Pius the Ninth and Julius' decoration from him of Knight 
of St. Sylvester through Father Telmon — Julius' great joy thereat 
and intention rather to sacrifice his official position than give it up 
— his application for Sick Leave — Abbe Domenech's remarks — 



CONTENTS. xi 

PAGE 

Julius' departure on Sick Leave for Limours with Mariquitta — addi- 
tional remarks of Abbe Domenech , 134 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Birth of Marie — Julias' summons to Washington as principal witness 
in Major Porter's trial — his visit to Mr. Bernoudy en route and 
narrow escape from death from a E. K. train — his arrival in Wash- 
ington, sickness and kind attentions of friends — visits Dentist — his 
description of his daily routine while in Washington — recommend- 
ation of last National Council of the U. S. — Julius' pity for Major 
Porter — postponement of the Court and his return to Limours . . 14-i 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Julius returns to Washington — his sorrow at being compelled to leave 
his Mariquitta but noble sacrifice for the sake of duty — description 
of his trip — meets Father de Smet, the great Indian missionary — 
Father Fred's pleasure in seeing Mariquitta's daguerreotype and 
promise to write to her — how an Officer on duty should travel . . 152 

CHAPTER XV. 

Major Porter's trial postponed, and his fright about his trial — Julius' 
accidental meeting with his sister Lily — signal protection of his Guar- 
dian Angel near Baltimore — anecdote of Col. Payne — anxiety of 
Julius about his wife and little daughter and his relief — his intense 
love for both— devotion to his own mother — shaves off his beard and 
change it makes — remark of a young lady — his present and future 
plans — objection to the Theatre — decision of the Pope in regard to 
recommendation of last National Council of the U. S. . . . 158 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Julius at Frederick City, Md., with his young sister Lily and aunt 
Lalite — his extreme sorrow at his long separation from Mariquitta — 
wretched teeth of present generation and principal cause — visits his 
relatives at "dear old Eden Park" — their notice of his striking re- 
semblance to his father — manner in which he wants Mariquitta to 
write her letters henceforth — his ardent desire that his baby should be 
vaccinated— Sainte Mario family — returns to Washington — sorrow 
for Eliza's death — gratitude to Mariquitta for her kind otfer about his 
mother — love for his relatives at Eden Park — good fortune in obtain- 
ing his former room in boarding-house — expectation of being extremely 
busy — his own innocence will be more fully established — sorrow for 
Major Porter — willingness to call his baby Mariquitta and objection 
to name of (^uitta and that of Ned—G2k.^i. Ord — Lieut. Saxton — 
Lieut. Gibbon's request to be transferred — Capt. Hunt — Mariquitta's 
scruple and his pious advice — dismay about being compelled to escort 
Capt. Ord's young sister to a Ball — his ardent love for Mariquitta 
and his baby — visits his young cousin Jerome at Georgetown College 
— his desire that Mariquitta should have her daguerreotype taken for 
him — Father Sestini's statement about his fasting all day so as not to 
lose his Communion .......... 167 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Major Porter's trial ended — .Julius at New York — is to sail thence in 
command of Eecruits for Texas — sorrow at this prolonged separa- 



xii CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



tion from Mariquittabut pious resignation— flattering compliment to 
himself from the Court and also from the War Dept. — on board the 
" Irene" — intense love for Mariquitta and necessity of his nature 
receiving love — what Keligion has done for him — his Officers and 
Kecruits — great storm — rescues a shipwrecked crew — intends apply- 
ing for a position in Judge Advocate General's Corps — arrival at San 
Antonio 179 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Mariquitta's departure for Texas — Julius resumes command of his 
Company — is appointed to difterent responsible positions — his and 
Mariquitta's great sorrow about the death of her aunt Lily — little 
Marie— Julius' application to Col. Cooper for vacancy in his Corps 
— arrival of troops at Fort Brown, also of Major Porter — Julius on 
Engineer duty — flattering letter from Col. Cooper — General P. Smith 
— Julius' and Mariquitta's kindness to Major Porter — Yellow Fever 
at Fort Brown and her dread of it — Father Olivier's remarks — Julius' 
devotion to the afflicted and seizure himself with the terrible Yellow 
Fever — lying at death's door, and Mariquitta's fearful agony of heart, 
her vow and his miraculous recovery — his great fondness for his 
child, and his and Mariquitta's willing sacrifice for its good . . 185 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Mariquitta's attempts to change Julius' ideas on domestic economy etc. 
— his delight with her housekeeping — birth of Octavie — Julius' great 
joy thereat, his witticism and Mariquitta's maternal pride — his 
departure for Mexico on official business— liemarks of General Jos. 
Koberts 195 

CHAPTER XX. 

Julius' departure on an Indian scout and Mariquitta's sorrow and 
fears — he opens a wagon-road — little Marie and Tavie — his ambition 
about being loved by them — additional remarks of Father Olivier — 
Julius' devotion to his Company, his pride therein and their splendid 
appearance and drill — Mariquitta's grief at his prolonged absence — 
his visit to her and accident to his watch — illness of his mother, his 
wish to soothe her dying moments and his sadness — his longing to 
visit again his Mariquitta and children, and his description of his 
internal strife of "Conscience" and "Love" — sets forth and meets 
Bishop Odin and Father Olivier — sacrifices his pleasure for the sake of 
his horse — his return to Fort Brown — death of Mariquitta's uncle 
Louis — her devoted love for her children and husband — Julius' final 
return to Fort Brown 199 

CHAPTER XXL 

Temporary detail of Julius as Quartermaster — Mariquitta's pride at the 
glorious soldierly death of her uncle Louis — Julius at the head of the 
list of First Lieutenants and the probability of his soon becoming- 
Captain — cost of living at Fort Brown as compared to the North — 
"Julius and her children are Mariquitta's world of happiness" — his 
devoted fondness for his little girls — his grief at his mother's death 
— his enthusiasm over tlie capture of Sebastopol — Father Fred's 
description of Alexander's noble advice and .Julius' refusal to accept 
of it, viz., Father Fred's own small inheritance — further remarks of 



, CONTENTS. \ xiii 

PAGE 

Brother Koudet — remarks of Mother Ste. Claire — Julius' translation 
of " Eeminiscences of an Officer of Zouaves" and reference to certain 
notes of his in it — remarks of Mr. Francisco Gonzales . . . 208 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Julius' appointment to the Adjutant General's Corps, and correspond- 
ence of others in connection therewith, and his own acceptance of 
appointment ........... 215 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Julius' and Mariquitta's pleasure at his appointment — their departure 
with their children for Limours and his own thence for Washington 
— his letter to Mariquitta's mother descriptive of his anguish at see- 
ing his wife and Marie's sufferings on their voyage from Texas and 
his uncertainty as to his future destination — birth of Louis — Mai-ie's 
suffering — incident of Julius' kindness to a Cadet — Julius' return to 
Limours and his resignation at having to return thence to Washing- 
ton alone ............ 219 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Julius' description of his return to Washington — his grief at leaving 
his little family — presents his father-in-law with a pair of eye-glasses 
— reason why it is not easy for himself to accept presents — visits his 
Cousin Amelia — her insisting upon his arranging for a Novena for 
Marie's cure — begs Mariquitta to obtain all necessary prayers, tells 
her what to do and says what he will himself do — about cure of 
Amelia's sister Mary — urges Mariquitta to a most devout preparation 
and submission to the Will of God should the cure not be effected — 
entreaty about the can of water on the stove — visits Gen. Walbach, 
Mr. McLane and Capt. Hazzard in Baltimore — Capt. Phelps' transfer 
— Julius' trust in God for Marie's cure — his liking for his present 
position and entire satisfaction therein — complimentary visit of the 
Secretary of War — Father Koccofort's description of Julius' wish to 
go to Communion daily without exciting unnecessary comment — 
return to his same Boarding House — Col. Cooper's warm greeting and 
kindly sympathy — Julius' wish to visit Algiers and his fears of not 
realizing it — Capt. Hazzard's idea of Col. Cooper's intention of 
always keeping Julius in Washington — .Julius consults with Majors 
Mordecai and Lee about his voyage, and their views — suffers from a 
severe cold — extreme sorrow for the sufferings of his little Marie 
and admiration of Mariquitta's firmness — loving advice to her about 
Marie and commiseration for her trials in Marie's sickness — long- 
ing to know whether Na misses him and his great love for her — 
how fearfully he misses his little Louis — passion for his babies — 
attends a dancing soiree at Col. Cooper's — his liking for Col. Cooper 
— necessity of the Army being increased and his hope of one day 
writing ^^ Col. Garesclie" upon his visiting cards — attends a Mission 
by the Kedemptorist Fathers — Father Deshon — expatiates upon his 
great love for Mariquitta and his children, and that to God alone 
must they have recourse for Marie's cure, and that it is better to give 
Alms to His Poor than uselessly feeing physicians — Julius' Manu- 
script of the death and ascension of the Blessed Virgin — further re- 
marks of Mr. John T. Doyle 223 



xiv CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXV. 



FAQE 



Julius' pleasure at the receipt of Mariquitta's last letters and his tender 
exhortations to her about her own health and the necessity of now 
turning Marie's attention to God and His Divine Mother — Father 
Telmon's Crucifix — how good God is to them all, eveisin their sepa- 
ration — sudden death of a gentleman in his Boarding House and 
frantic grief of the wife and mother — his longing and yet fear for 
another letter — receipt thereof and his great joy at its contents — ap- 
proval of day chosen for the termination of the Novena — his gratifi- 
cation at the pleasure his little letters gave to his little girls and anxiety 
to know what Na thought of hers — abandons his voyage to Algiers 
for Mariquitta's sake — physical and spiritual good the Mission did 
him and wonderful eloquence of one of the Fathers — desire that his 
wife should speak only French to their children — about his renounced 
wish to visit France and Algiers — Capt. Ord's admiring criticism on 
his " Keminiscences of an Officer of Zouaves" 237 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Julius' description to Mariquitta of all he has done and is doing regard- 
ing the Novena, and his earnest entreaty to turn Marie's thoughts 
to our Saviour and Holy Religion — his heart's longings for Mariquitta 
and his children and his passionate love and yearning for her society 
— that it is their duty now and how thej' should turn their little girls' 
minds to God — love for his little Louis, Na and Marie — Mrs. Goddard 
— Julius' ever ready courtesy to women and his joke about one — 
a man's greatest human happiness — re-assembling of Congress and a 
respite of work — commencement of the Novena — the little Orphans 
of the Asylum and their belief in the efficacy of their own prayers 
— tender entreaties to Mariquitta to take more care of her health and 
to be less scrupulous — his confidence in the good result of the No- 
A'ena, that God will surely grant their prayer, but if not then they 
must bear the cross patiently — entreats her not to despair about it 
— flattered by Na's refusal — his singular pleasure in knowing that 
Mariquitta dotes so tenderly on their little Louis — daily cold water 
bath 246 

CHAPTER XXYII. 

End of Novena — Julius speaks to Mariquitta of resignation should it 
prove contrary to their hopes — Reading his sole pleasure, is averse to 
society — the kind of religious instruction he means for their children 
— letter from Father Fred — Julius' dread regarding result of Novena 
and great desire to know how Mariquitta bears the disaf)pointment— 
his consoling advice — true happiness is not of this world — his pang of 
heart about his renounced trip to Algiers — beautiful and simple little 
act of devotion for Mariquitta to practice — begs her not to be so sad 
and discouraged — her particular attraction for him at first — his fur- 
ther reference to little act of devotion — his longings and yet dread 
to hear from her — receipt of her letter — prayers and acts of devotion 
he again recommends to her — Major Porter's second trial, and how 
he makes it "black and blue for the witnesses," and his declaration 
that "Julius was the o^Uy gentleman at Fort Brown" — receipt of two 
letters from Mariquitta — letters from Alexander and her father — 
Julius' joy to learn how piously Mariquitta bears her great disap- 
pointment — his reference to his children — "Christmas is approach- 
ing" and his entreaty to Mariquitta to purchase for herself some 
pretty things— his enthusiastic admiration for Beauty in all things . 257 



. CONTENTS. XV 

CHAPTER XXVIIL 

PAGE 

Christmas — their terrible voj^age on preceding one — severe Winter — 
Sister Lucy— how did his Mariquitta and children spend their Christ- 
mas — his desire and her failing to give him little details about her- 
self and the children in her letters — how he is spending his Christ- 
mas — is full of hope, love, and courage — his ardent desire that they 
should not allow their children ever to lose their precious little 
souls — fears he is to have two serious boils about the eye which will 
hinder his writing to her — enormous occupation at the OiBce — his 
love and devotion for lier — pain ber last letter has given him and 
entreaty for her forgiveness for his scolding and his sorrow at this 
scolding — his beautiful tribute to her loving heart — his repugnance 
to but still making New Year's calls — Capt. Phelps — Cassin's state- 
ment about Major Porter's trial — no need to worry about himself, 
and his ])ain in their separation — Congress to increase the pay of 
Officers of the Army and its absolute necessity — General Quitman's 
strong language — necessity of Mariquitta preserving her health — 
Major Garnett's notice of her strong resemblance to the beautiful 
Rachel — Julius' recommendation for her father to remain in the 
U. S. — heavy snows— the "Army Bill" — his fond recollections of 
her, and her image ever present to his mind ..... 266 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Happiness Mariquitta's letter has just given him — advises her to read 
" AH for Jesus" — is sorry that her father received no Christmas 
present and advises her to induce her sisters to co-operate with her in 
giving him a nice pair of furs — ^joy at her consent to procure a nurse 
for Louis — Col. Cooper's pleasure at his report — attends several 
dancing soirees — his love for Catholic reunions like the Lays' — 
detestable ink she uses — misses intensely his little boy — his special 
fondness for his babies — her uncle Callard and Cousin David — diplo- 
macy she must practice about the gift to her fiither — intense severity 
of Winter — Col. Freeman's perfect astonishment and exclamation — 
enormous press of work at the Office — point of honor with the Pres- 
ident and his Cabinet — great snow storm — fondness for his position 
and confident it is what is best suited for him — Col. Cooper's satisfac- 
tion with him as also that of the Secretary of War — his pleasure in 
completing a certain important Work and the aid he received therein 
from his friends in Heaven — his passionate love for Mariquitta and 
the great sacrifice of his Algerian expedition for her sake — abscess 
of Marie and his hopes thereof — the good and pleasure Mariquitta's 
recent letters have given him- — her father's great sutfering from the 
intense cold not surprising — his horror of the assassination of the 
Archbishop of Paris at the Altar — his gratitude to her mother for all 
her love and devotion to herself and their children — situation of the 
Army Bill — Capt. Phelps not angry — pride in his little girls and boy 
— hopes his wife does not suffer from the severity of the Winter — 
his painful longing for her — his sources of consolation so few and so 
different to other men's 276 

CHAPTER XXX. 

His worriment over his own expenses — bis reproaches to himself — better 
to give Alms to God's poor tlian to fee physicians uselessly for Marie 
— joy Mariquitta's last letter gave him — Lieut. Saxton — Major Gar- 
nett and his young bride and his notice of Mariquitta's strong resem- 
blance to the beautiful Kachel, and Julius' own regret, for this reason, 



xvi CONTENTS. 



PAGE 



not to have seen Rachel — Louis — hopes the Winter is about to end — 
again advises Mariquitta to buy "All for Jesus" — his anticipated joy 
at soon being reunited to her and his ciiildren — his pleasure at the 
contents of her last letter — Sister Lucj^'s story — his regret that Mari- 
quitta's mother anticipated them in tlie gift to her father — his Criti- 
cism on argument of the Attorney General — has found his true voca- 
tion — Alexander's letter and its good news about her and Marie — 
his duty to submit to little disappointments — his father's Translation 
— begs her, for her own and Mario's good, occasionally to visit the 
City — imprudence in her father's wish to return to France and better 
for him to act upon his own (Julius') suggestion — his longing for her 
but pious resignation ......... 287 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

How his happiness is bound up in Mariquitta and his agony of heart at 
their separation — success of the " Bill" — his intense y^j thereat — his 
late painful perspective of his future — noble ofl'er of Alexander — 
promise to his mother — idea of a partnership with some rich Capi- 
talist or Company — great sacrifice it would have been to give up his 
Profession — his perfect fitness for his present position — advance of 
Spring — his great sorrow when he receives no letters from Mari- 
quitta — her consolations in such moments — pleasure her letter of the 
12th gave him — Father Fred's letter and his ear-ache — strangers 
flocking to Washington for the inauguration of President Buchanan 
and necessity of his purchasing a new uniform — sittings for his 
Daguerreotype that he intends presenting her — wins two prizes at the 
Orphans' Fair — Mrs. Buell — the " Cottage Furniture" and cost of 
their undertaking housekeeping — painful fears that Marie's sick con- 
dition will prevent their soon being reunited — wonderful influence 
Mariquitta's letters have over him — pleasure her latest news gives 
him — sea-baths for Marie — hopes for a respite of work through 
termination of present Congress — her mother's idea of a Novena to 
St. Joseph and his own to St. Hose of Lima — probable time he can 
start after her and his children — Piney Point a good bathing-place 
for Mario— shaves otf his beard — his necessary official calls upon new 
and old President and Secretary of War and his sorrow at parting 
with the retiring ones — about the new President and Secretary — vex- 
ation about his Daguerreotype — Marie's excellent memory and his 
pleasure at Mariquitta's religious instructions to her — his endeavors 
to obtain for her uncle Jean Baptiste the Professorship of Spanish at 
West Point — intention of applying for his Leave to go after her and 
sorrow at thus separating her from her mother 293 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Julius goes after his family — his description of their trip to Washing- 
ton — his distress in seeing no material for Religious in his little 
daughters — ^[ariquitta's severe illness, his devotion and agony — her 
longings for their own homo — his success in marketing — his descrip- 
tion of their little son and daughters — -Mariquitta's love for auctions 
— his objection to her reading " Les Confidences de Lmnariine" — his 
able and conclusive argument in the case of Lieut. Schaumberg — 
birth of Edgar and his death — Julius' connection with and organ- 
izing Society of St. Vincent de Paul in AVashington, liis charities 
and works relative to it and anecdotes thereof — Col. liichard F. 
O'Beirne's remarks 309 



CONTENTS. xvii 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 



I'AGE 



Julius' Articles on " Executive Power over the Army" and " Law of 
Divorce" 318 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Birth of Laureal ; his wonderful beauty, death, and the sorrow of all — 
death of Julius' uncle, John P. Garesche — Julius' letter about it as 
also about Laureal's to his aunt Lalite — his desire to wear his Cross 
of St. Sylvester in defence of the Holy See — his 3Iilitary Article to 
the Adjutant General — esteem in which he was held by all his supe- 
riors — his abilities, charities, and kindness of heart — performing Mr. 
Hanson's work during his absence on Leave — sacrificing his parental 
feelings for duty — near-sightedness, loss and finding of his gold eye- 
glass — his endeavor and success in obtaining an Artillery commission 
for the son of a bigoted Presbyterian minister 342 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Commencement of the Civil "War and Julius' appreciation of the 
coming crisis — his politics and true Union feelings and his sacrifices 
for them — his fears of an abolition war and of meeting his brothers 
on the field of battle — his letter and their answer — incident about his 
cousin Bauduy — letter of Ferdinand — incident about Montgomery 
Blair — revelation to a holy person of Julius' approaching death on 
the battle-field and his brother Fred's letter and statement about it 
— Julius' own presentiment — his patriotic letter in the " National 
Intelligencer" — his manifold and arduous duties — his promotions 
and General Lorenzo Thomas' esteem for his abilities and objections 
to allowing him to go in the field— appreciation held in by his supe- 
riors and the President — procures commissions for many persons — 
obtains Brigadier Generals' commissions for Ord and Rosccrans — 
remarks of Col. Alex. J. Dallas — Julius' De Imitatione Christi — his 
indignant objection to serving with Garibaldi — his indignation at 
the outcry against Gen. Chas. P. Stone — defends Gen. Sherman's 
representation regarding necessity of large forces for Kentucky — 
remarks of Gen. Henry J. Hunt 350 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Julius' wish to go into action and Gen. Thomas' refusal — additional 
remarks of Gen. Don Carlos Buell — Capt. Fry's Telegram and Letter 
— Letter of Gen. Geo. H. Thomas — telegram of Gen. Halleck — refusal 
of Secretary Stanton and Gen. Lorenzo Thomas — Julius' ideas regard- 
ing some of the appointments then being made — his Article relative 
to the bestowal of the vacancies of Second Lieutenant in the new regi- 
ments — Secretary Stanton's dislike for him — Major Lee's legislation 
out of the Army — instance of Julius' strict adherence to military 
discipline and President Lincoln's tenders to him of a Brigadier 
General's commission — Gen. Ord's letter ...... 363 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Julius' handsome and graceful appearance — anecdote of shovelling in 
his own coal — his passion for Music — birth of Adele — his visits to the 
poor and to the Hospitals, alone and with his children — regard of the 
Authorities for his good works — Mariquitta's loving complaint to her 
Confessor and his answer — Julius' connection with reorganization of 



xviii CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

the Adjutant General's Corps — appointed Lieut. Colonel — his chari- 
table proposition to his brother Officers — a writer's remarks— rising 
at night to pray — visiting the Blessed Sacrament and saluting it when 
passing b}^ — anecdote of seeing his little girls about to enter a Prot- 
estant church, and his advice to them and their brother regarding 
money they had found — a general favorite with the children on his 
square — his extreme near-sightedness and Mariquitta's teasings — his 
perfect devotion to his family — his objection to carrying an umbrella 
— when he used the " Du Kocher" part of his surname . . . 370 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

Julius' endeavors to have the College and Convent at Frederick, Md., 
exempted from Hospital duty and letter of Father Jas. A. Ward, 
S. J.— Julius' communication for Gen. McClellan's eye — his en- 
deavors to secure the Sisters of Charity and those of Mercy as nurses 
and letters of Archbishops Kenrick of Baltimore and Hughes of New 
York on the subject— his Petition to the President and extracts of 
letters of Archbishops Kenrick of Baltimore and Purcell of Cincin- 
nati relative to it — his instrumentality in saving St. Aloysius' 
Church . . 380 

CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Julius' extreme sorrow for the terrible evils of the War and his letter 
to the " Freeman's Journal" — his prediction and warning to Gen. 
McClellan — his dislike for Secretary Stanton and the hitter's hatred 
for him — Julius' remark to Major Geo. T>. Kuggles indicative of his 
presentiment of death — Gen. Martin T. McMahon's remarks — Julius' 
connection with Particular Council of Society of St. Vincent de Paul 
and his interest in the Society — letter and remarks of Father J. A. 
Walter — Kemarks of Father B. A. Maguire, S. J. — Julius' and Gen. 
Kosecrans' mutual friendship, and their formation among Catholic 
OtEcers of the Army of an Association in honor of the Devotion to 
the Sacred Heart — Rosecrans' anxiety to have Julius as his Chief of 
Staff, his request to Secretary Stanton and its acceptance and Julius 
ordered to report to him — Gen. Lorenzo Thomas' fury — Julius' visit 
to Gen.' Geo. Thorn and earnest request of him, and the latter's kind- 
ness to his wife and little ones — Julius' letter to Editor of Freeman's 
Journal — his affecting departure from Washington .... 388 

CHAPTER XL. 

Julius' letters to Mariquitta and his children after his departure for 
the field and Mariquitta's to him — incident of his going to Com- 
munion at the Sodalists' Mass in Cincinnati — Gen. Eosecrans' Staft" 
— how Julius spent his last night on earth ...... 398 

CHAPTER XLI. 

Julius' assignment per S. O. of the A. G- 0. — his last Order — his mili- 
tary history with the Army of the Cumberland and description of his 
death in the words of Capt. Wm. D. Bickham and Gen. Rosecrans, 
and the latter's additional statements — Poem regarding Julius and 
Rosecrans receiving Communion together on the fateful day — con- 
tinuation of Julius' military history and description of his death and 
disinterring of his body in the words of Col. C. Goddard, Major 
Frank S. bond, Orderly Robert Magee, a wounded Confederate, and 
Major J. Ralston Skinner ......... 434 



CONTENTS. 2iix 

CHAPTER XLII. 

Julius' _" Nellie" — coincidence of St. Sylvester's Feast daj- — Col. Knif- 
fin's impression of Julius' edifying conduct before death — a brave 
soldier's recovery of Julius' effects — his temporary burial on the 
battle-field — Alexander's dispatch and Major J. Kalston Skinner's 
description of the identification and disinterment of his remains — his 
burial site afterward? marked by a small monument — the desk of 
the soldiers' love — Doctor Jerome K. Bauduy's letter — Barracks and 
Fort named after Julius — Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas' touch- 
ing tribute— U. S. Battery and Post of the G. A. E. also named in 
Julius' honor — Father Fred's grief— his two letters and assurance of • 
Julius' eternal happiness 451 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

Father Lynch 's letter assigning reason why Mariquitta wished to have 
Julius buried in Washington — Alexander's arrival at Nashville after 
the remains, his intense grief and Surgeon Swift's earnest recommend- 
ation — the sad journey on to Washington, and the grief and honors 
accorded the body along the route — its lying in state in St. Aloysius' 
Church — Archbishop Kenrick's (of St. Louis) words in the pulpit 
and his letter to Mariquitta — exclamation of an Ofiicer— Gen. Geo. 
Tiiom breaks the sad news to Mariquitta— her fearful sorrow— Capt. 
Carbery Lay's happy thought— the children's grief— Mariquitta's 
visits with Alexander to the body — description of deep grief experi- 
enced throughout Washington, of the funeral and burial, and of the 
regard Julius was held in by all classes 460 

CHAPTER XLI7. 

Affecting tribute of Conference of St. Patrick's, of Particular Council 
of the Society of St. Yincent de Paul, and of Philodemic Society of 
Georgetown College— Monument raised to Julius' memory at Mt. 
Olivet Cemetery and its description 471 

CHAPTER XLV. 

Mariquitta's life subsequent to Julius' death — her own death and sub- 
sequent removal to and burial in his grave at Washington— ultimate 
cure of Marie— religious vocation of Tavie and Adele— instance of 
the force of Julius' example— History and Description of the Order 
of St. Sylvester 47Q 

CHAPTER XLVL 

Additional letters and statements of many of Julius' relatives, friends, 
and of others 437 



BIOGRAPHY 

OF 

Lieut. Col. Julius P. Garesche. 



CHAPTER I. 

Julius' ancestry — the Garesche and Bauduy Families. 

The Garesche Family, a very ancient and noble one in France, 
formerly Catholic in principle, and tracing their origin back to the 
early epochs of the primitive Celts of Driiidical memory, were 
natives of the province of Saintonge, where they held a distin- 
guished position and possessed many and valuable ancestral 
estates, such as la Pr6e, Faveau, Nieul and others, besides many 
salt marshes. When Calvinism made its appearance in Saintonge 
thev were amouo; the first who embraced its false tenets, and thus 
by the laws of France wore deprived of their rights of nobility 
and to a certain extent of their prestige. 

Jean Garesche, the great-grandfather of Julius, inherited from 
his father a fortune very considerable for that period, which he 
seems to have increased by commerce with Holland, thus intro- 
ducing into his family many of the habits of that country, and 
amongst others the taste for tea, then so rare in France. His 
death, which occurred about 1754, at his mansion of Nieul, gave 
ri.se to a little incident showing:: the fanaticism of the times. 
Being one of the most distinguished and influential members 
of the Protestant religion, and at the same time rich and chari- 
table, he had acquired a certain ascendancy over the peasants of 
the neighborhood. This influence was displeasing to the neigh- 
boring Catholics who, in order to disturb the funeral, cau.sed 

2 17 



18 BIOGRAPHV OF 

stones to be thrown, wliich wounded several of. his friends and 
relatives. In consequence, the funeral procession was compelled 
to return to the house and the ceremony put off till night. This 
circumstance caused in the minds of the Garesches a great dis- 
like for Catholicity, and they found it very difficult to forgive 
Jean Garcsche du Rochcr for havino- chosen a wife of that re- 
ligiou. Hence she was very coldly received on her arrival from 
San Domingo in 1790, and it was only by her prepossessing 
manners and angelic sweetness of disposition that she won their 
love. 

Jean's eldest son,* Daniel Garcsche, established himself when 
very young at La Rochelle, and was chosen as the first Mayor 
of that large and populous city, after the creation of the mayor- 
alty. His firmness in administering the affairs of the city made 
for him nianv enemies and induced him to send in his resigna- 
tion, which, however, was refused, the people having implicit 
confidence in his management. They even granted him as a 
mark of their full satisfaction with his government a body guard 
for his protection. At last the Jacobins obtained the mastery 
and he only saved his head by flight. His beautiful wife's 
father, INIr. Carayon, was called the Pope of the Huguenots 
(Protestants), through the influence he had obtained by his 
great religious zeal, his gravity, and his immense riches. 

The second son, Isaac, was distinguished by his mind and by 
an easy and elegant diction. Chosen by La Saintonge as one 
of its Deputies to the National Assembly he there distinguished 
himself by the accuracy of his views on financial matters. He 
retired on the approach of the " Terrorism". When after the 
18 brumaire Napoleon the First took the reins of government 
and associated with himself two consuls, Cambaceresand Lebrun ; 



* Subsequent to his death and owing to the course of events following the 
Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, his sons Daniel, Isaac, Jean and Pierre 
disposed of all their ancestral estates and left yaintonge. In the course of 
time Isaac and Pierre returned, after having increased their fortune in San 
Domingo by commerce, and repurchased their ancestral properties by right 
of an old French law which forced tlie purchaser to reconvey to the heir 
direct if he presented himself before the expiration of a certain number of 
years. 



. LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I9 

the latter, who had been Isaac's colleague in the National As- 
sembly, wliere he had been able to appreciate his talents, endeav- 
ored to recall him to Paris. But Isaac had an income of 15,000 
livres, was without a son and without ambition, and dreading 
the political storms of the day declined, preferring the beautiful 
woods of his ancestral estate, Faveau, to the favors of the State. 

The third son, Jean Garesche du Roclier, [he added the name 
" Du Rocher" to his surname from an estate of his grandfather, 
after the custom of the younger sons of French nobles, who thus 
distinguished themselves from their elder brothers,] about the 
year 1760, after receiving his portion of the ancestral estates, 
money etc., emigrated to Port au Prince, San Domingo, and 
there entered into commerce with his brother Isaac. After a 
few years of success they both retired from business and Isaac 
returned to France. Jean remained and bouo-ht a coffee and 
some years afterwards a sugar plantation and the negroes of 
Madame De Launay.* 

He married in 1780 in San Domingo a Demoiselle de Brossay, 
also of French parentage and a most exemplary Catholic. Her 
only dowry, for she had no fortune, was her angelical sweetness 
of disposition, fine figure and beautiful face. Their children 
were six in number, viz., Jean, Vital Marie, three others that 
died, strange to say, successively at the same age, and lastly 
Lise. The fact of her three babes dying successively at the 
same age was so striking a coincidence that she expected also to 
lose her little dau<rhter. Relijrion and her confidence in the in- 
tercession of the Blessed Virgin inspired her with the idea of 
dressing little Lise always in white in honor of the Holy .Mother, 
and she strictly observed this vow up to the time the child became 
nine years old. 

Jean was just beginning to realize a handsome fortune from 
his plantations, the finest in the island, when the Revolution 
broke out in France. There they decreed the abolition of slavery 
without the least compensation to the owners. The colonists at 
once armed themselves to oppose this unjust decree. Companies 

* Madame De Launay was the mother-in-law of Mr. Jean Baptiste Breton 
Des Chapelles. 



20 BIOGRAPHY OF 

were formed, and Jeai), well known for his courage, was named 
one of the Captains for the defence of his district, called the 
" Cross of the bouquets." The French Convention sent over 
two Commissioners, Messrs. Polveral and Santonax, two famous 
names in the history of San Domingo, to put its decree into exe- 
cution. These men acted with such cunning and pliantness as 
to win over the small traders and mulaltoes. llesistance be- 
came impossible, and to save his life Jean returned to Fiance 
and arrived in La Rochelle in 1792, his wife and three children 
having preceded him there in 1790. lie then established him- 
self in that city with his family in an immense mansion belong- 
ing to and contiguous to his brother Daniel's. 

Here occurs a little incident painting most accurately the 
manners of that epoch and showing his great })atriotism. Being 
a great lover of good cheer he sought for a talented cook. One, 
by name Barrand, presented himself and was accepted in spite 
of the high wages he demanded. He proved that he had been 
one of the cooks of the Duke of Orleans, but, owing to some 
changes that Prince had made in his household, he had come to 
seek lor emj)loyment in the provinces. He did not tarry long 
in giving proofs of the highest talent and the keenest judges of 
wine rendered homage to it. His task was so light that he Ibund 
time to be assiduous at all the clubs in the city, of which he was 
one of the orators. Having become very popular he was ap- 
pointed a Captain in the National Guards in spite of his func- 
tions as a Cook, and that too of the same Company in which his 
master was but a siin[)le Private. Thus after ])reparing the 
dinner, equipped in his glittering uniform of an officer, he would 
give his orders to Jean at the lleview after having received his 
own from him in the kitchen. 

AVhen the trial of the King was going on and "Terrorism" 
was being organized, fearing lest his conduct at San Domingo 
in fighting against the decree of the Convention should be dis- 
covered and his life be compromised in consequence, Jean ob- 
tained a passport, not an easy thing at tiie time, and reached the 
United States in 1794. There he learned that the English had 
taken possession of that part of San Domingo where his planta- 
tions were situated and had there re-established slaverv. He 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GAREHCIIK. 21 

then SQiit over a reliable agent, Mr. Dueos, to take charge of his 
plantations, who faithfully returned to him the products of his 
estates in cargoes of sugar consigned to the commercial house of 
Welling and Francis of Phihidelphia. In a short time he real- 
ized therefrom about $80,000, which somewhat consoled him for 
liis great losses.* 

Two years afterwards, shortly after Robespierre's death,t his 
Avife and boys joined him. During this period of their separa- 
tion from him their lives had been in diinger, as it was supposed 
that he had joined the Army of the Emigres, and hence his 
wife's name had been placed on the list of suspected persons. 
He met her at New York City and they moved to Burlington, 
N. J., where there were many French emigres, and resided there 
for a time, when yielding to the entreaties of his old friend and 
neighbor of San Domingo, Mr. Jean Baptiste Breton Des Cha- 



* Jean brought to the United States his household slaves, whom ho soon 
voluntarily emancipated. One of them, old Mambo or Nicole, who nursed 
three generations of the family, was the last survivor of those slaves. She 
had belonged to his mother-in-law, Madame do Brossay, and on her death 
came into possession of his wife as her portion. She died at Eden I'arlc, 
Wilmiilgton, Del., in 1848, at the advanced age of 115 years. 

A de.-cendant of another of Jean's houseiiold slaves died manj^ years 
afterwards a member of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, cohered, of Balti- 
more, of which Order her daughter, Mother Louisa Noel, born in Wil- 
mington, Del., and Superior General of, died at the convent in Baltimore 
March 27, 1885, when she was just G8 years old and head of the Order for 
29 years. Had she lived a week longer she would have celebrated her 
Golden Jubilee, having been connected with the Order for 50 years. 

f He had written to his wife that their little daughter, Li.se, should be 
left at La lloehelle under the care of his sister-in-law, Madame Daniel 
Garesche. After his death his widow had a lively desire to see once more 
her sweet litllcj daughter and accordingly sent her eldest son, Jean P., over 
to France to bring her back. They returned only to see her die, as she 
departed this life shortly afterwards. Lise was then placed at Madame 
Kivardi's Institute, in Germantown near Phila., the most renowned at the 
time for young ladies. Some j'cars afterwards she returned to France with 
her brother, Vital Mario, and soon espoused there, in 1807, her first cousin, 
Paul Jacques Garesche, son of her uncle Daniel. As charming in mjinncr 
as in appeariince in her old age as she had been in her youth, she died in 
Paris, in March 1885, at the advanced age of 95 years, sincerely mourned 
by all who iiad known her. She was Julius' Godmother and they were 
both tenderly attached to one another. 



22 BIOGRAPHY OF 

pclles,* he removed to Wilmington, Del., where this gen.tleman 
resided with his three daughters and Pierre Buuduy, his son- 
in-law. 

Heref he bonght two l)ouses on French street wdiich he caused 
to be united so as to form but one mansion. Soon afterwards, 
attracted by the example of himself and Mr. Dcs Chapelles, 
many other families of the French noblesse, exiles from their 
native land and its colonies, joined them, with some of whom 
his own familv shortlv afterwards became connected, such as 
Baron J Alexander de Bauduy, Baron § Keating, Marquis de 



* INIr. Joan Baptiste Breton Des Chapelles, of an ancient and noble family 
of Brittany, was a rich San Domingo planter. Compelli'd, like his friend, 
Jean Garcsclie du Eoelrer, to leave that Island on account of the troubles 
of the French Kevolution and the insurrection of the slaves, ho came over 
to the United States and settled in "Wilmington, Del. His family comprised 
four daughters and one son. The eldest daughter married Mr. de Saqui, a 
French naval captain; Julia, the next, was married to Pierre Bauduy; 
Eulalia espoused Chevalier and Baron John de Keating; and Fortunee, 
the youngest, was united to the Marquis de Sassenaye, wlio belonged to the 
household of the Duke de Berri and who returned to Paris after tiie restora- 
tion of the Bourbons. The son, Jean Alexander, married Pierre Bauduy's 
sister, Selima Bauduy. 

f He purchased two houses on French Street, and united them by making 
great improvements. An ornamental garden, arranged with taste, extended 
to "Walnut Street; then it opened to the next square below, and the whole 
was a grass plot bordered with Lombardy poplar-trees. Fruit-trees were 
inter.-jicrscd through the square, and with fanciful walks. Near the centre 
was a brick building of octagon form. In winter it was used as a hot-house, 
and in summer as a saloon, where many joyous hours were passed ; for in 
those days the French families entertained very handsomely, and of them- 
selves constituted a large and refined societj-. On the top of this saloon 
was a summer-house of lattice work, encircled by a balcony, with scats and 
stands for flower-pots, tastefully arranged. The whole was in perfect keep- 
ing, and an ornament to the town while in his possession. 

J Alexander, only brother of Pierre Baudu}', and bearing the title and 
rank of Baron de Bauduy, served under Napoleon the First and died, a 
General in the French service. lie was, for a while, an Aide to Napoleon. 

§ baron John de Keating was a Colonel in the French service, a Cheva- 
lier of the Order of St. Louis, and the last of the Irish Brigade. His 
grandfather, GeoflVey Keating, distinguished himself at the siege of Lim- 
erick, but was afterwards obliged to withdraw with the Army of James II 
to France, and his family estate and titles of Earl Dunraven and Lord 
Adare were given by the unju&t laws of the time to an apostate cousin. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 23 

Sassenaye and otliers. His agent, Mr. Diicos, also joined the 
emigrant circle, being compelled to quit his administration of 
the ])lantations on account of the retreat of the English and the 
uprising of the slaves. 

Jean lived in great comfort and style, entertained his friends 
royally every evening and made his countrymen enjoy his hos- 
pitality, his house being always open to them. He died in Jan- 
uary 1801 from the consequences of a fever contracted whilst 
hunting and lack of proper means effected for his cure. He was 
usually called " Du Rocher." In after years his sons dropped 
this part of their name. His spouse followed him to the grave 
in 1803. 

From him, with the exception of Anne L. Garesch6, only sur- 
viving child of his nephew Gabriel Garesche, are descended all 
bearing the name of Garesche in the United States, and, owing 
to the lack of male descendants in his brothers' families, the 
name became extinct in France. 

After his death his possessions became greatly diminished, 
owing to the youth and inexperience of his two sons. These 
boys, Jean P. and Vital Marie, were sent when young to St. 
John's College at Annapolis, Md., where were educated the 
sons of the first families of Maryland. From there they were 
withdrawn and placed under the charge of Mr. Salimbaris, 
established in Wilmington, and afterwards placed at l'Abb6 
Carles' in Philadelphia. Both m-arried Catholics, their brides 
being the two eldest daughters of Pierre Bauduy ; Jean P. mar- 
rying Cora, the second, and Vital M. Mimika Louisa the eldest. 

* Their father had been an immensely rich San Domingo 

When the Bourbons fell, in whose service he had held a distincjuished mili- 
tary position, John refused all solicitations to continue in the French Army 
and coming to the U. S. with letters of introduction to Gen. Washington 
settled in Philadelphia and soon afterwards married Eulalia Des Chapelles. 
He was a bright example of a true and faithful Catholic and loyal citizen. 
He always loved and honored Julius. 

* Pierre Bauduy's mother, Helene Cruon, was maternally descended from 
one of the celebrated Knights and companions in arms of the famous Du 
Guesclin, Piaoul du Ciiergouet. Another one of the same family, Herve du 
Ciiergouet, the day before the great battle of Auray which settled the ducal 
crown upon the head of de Montfort, fought and overcame in single combat 



24 BIOGRAPHY OF 

planter, his family liaviug possessed for many years some of the 
finest plantations on the Island. Descended from a noble old 
French family and accustomed to all the luxuries that rank and 
wealth could give the horrors of the Revolution came upon him 
like a thunder-clap and stripped him of all that he possessed. 
He barely escai)ed from the negro insurrection with his infant 
child and young wife, Julia Des Chapelles. He settled at Wil- 
mington and at first supported his young wife and children by 
painting. 

He was an accomplished and enterprising man, of affable 
manners and possessing great taste in the fine arts. A sign 
painted by him for a coach shop in that city was much admired. 
It represented Phaeton, son of Phoebus, driving the chariot of 
the Sun so furiously as to threaten universal cpnflagration. It 
stood for a long time on French Street. It is said that when 
George Washington passed through Wilmington he stopped to 
admire it, and when told that it was executed by a French 
6migr6, he exclaimed, "Ah, those French, they are never too 
proud to work !" Pierre Bauduy was the architect of the City- 
Hall. In connection with Mr. E. J. DuPont, whose daughter, 
Victorine, his son Ferdinand had married, he founded the cele- 
brated Powder Works of Wilmington. Pie purchased the prop- 
erty of Monckton Park just outside the city, and made great 
improvements upon it and altered its name to Eden Park. 
Before his purchasing it, this district had been very unhealthy, 
but draining the marshes changed its character. In time Eden 
Park proved to be a sort of rendezvous for all branches of the 
Bauduy and Garesche du Rocher families and their connections, 
who spent there many a happy hour. This was the spot where 
Julius was to spend many of his early days. Pierre speculated 
largely in Merino sheep and imported a shepherd and his dogs 
from the Pyrenees to guard them. This project seemed unsuc- 
cessful and induced him, about the year 1819, to remove to the 
Island of Cuba, where he and his wife subsequently died. 

Gauticr Huet, a British Knight, who, advancing between the lines, had chal- 
lenged to single combat, in the presence of the two armies, any one of the 
knights of France or Brittany, in the ranks of Blois. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. £5 

A very exemplary Catholic himself, as was also his spouse, it 
was mainly through his exertions that the first Catholic church 
in Wilmington was erected. It was dedicated under the invoca- 
tion of Saint Peter, his own patron Saint, in compliment to him- 
self. Even now it is considered the best church in Wihiiington, 
for it is the Cathedral. Before that date Mass had always been 
said in his house by Missionary priests. After his removal to 
Cuba the powder business at Eden Park was carried on by his 
two sons-in-law, Jean P. and- Vital Marie Garesche duRochcr. 
For some unaccountable cause, (probably through republican 
ideas of simplicity), they dropped the latter part of their family 
name "Du Rocher" and hereafter only bore the original sur- 
name "Garesche". When Pierre settled in Cuba he purchased 
a coffee plantation, "Santa Helena", which he subsequently 
turned into a suo-ar one and called " Recousso".* His wife was 
a handsome and accomplished woman, and like himself warmly 
remembered by those who knew her. 

After his removal to Cuba, being endowed naturally with a 
strong and active mind, and great energy of character, he soon 
became very serviceable to his fellow-planters, and was commis- 
sioned by the Spanish Government to visit some of the other 
islands, with a view of introducing into Cuba their improvements 
in the manufacture of sugar, and the cultivation of coffee. 

His services on this and other occasions were so highly valued, 
that he was made a citizen of the Island — a ])rivilege which, on 
account of the jealous disposition of the Spaniards towards 
foreigners, is conferred only as a mark of great honor. 

When the Cholera made its appearance at Matanzas, he was 
readv in a moment to sacrifice his comfort, and risk his life in 
relievino; the miseries of his fellow-creatures. In that calamitous 
visitation, the slaves found in him a faithful friend. But his 
exertions in behalf of others were too great for his bodily powers, 
and brought on himself an attack of the disease. From this, 

* Of his remaining children : Helen married her first cousin, Henry Alex- 
ander Des Chapelles : Julia married twice ; first, Mr. Testu of Cuba, and 
some time after his death Mr. Eabel of the same Island : and Peter married 
his second cousin, Amelia Keating, grand-daughter of Baron John de Keat- 
ing, and subsequently a Carmelite nun in Baltimore. 



26 BIOGRAPHY OF 

however, he had nearly recovered when bnsiness called him to 
Havana. Here lie had a second attack, which proved fatal. 

He had become ardently attached to the United States on 
account of the kind reception he had met with from its citizens 
after his escape from the tragical scenes of the San Domingo 
rebellion; and, even after he took up his residence in Cuba, he 
still cherished the hope of spending his last days in the United 
States — the land of his adoption. 

As a useful citizen, a warm friend, and an affectionate relative, 
his death was severely felt by all who had known him. 



LIEUT. COL, JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 27 



CHAPTER 11. 

Julius' Parents. 

Vital Marie Garesch6 du Rocher, the younger of the 
two brotliers, and a very handsome and accomplished man, was 
united in matrimony to Mile. INIimiUa Louisa Bauduy, eldest 
dangliter of Mr. Pierre Bauduy, at lier father's mansion of Eden 
Park, Wilmington, in September 1809.* The fair and charm- 
ing young bride had just finished her education at Madame 
Rivardi'sf Institute at Germantown, Pa., and was only sixteen 
years of age, at least ten years younger than himself. Beloved 
and admired at school for her many noble qualities of heart as 
well as mind, she was almost idolized by lier own family; and 
her fond parents, though delighted at her happy match — for the 
family of Garesche du llocher, like her own, bore a high rank 
among the old and aristocratic Delaware families and were the 
reputed possessors of great wealth — could not refrain from an 
involuntary sigh of regret, as they saw her about to depart from 
the family hearth, to be no longer a member of their household. 
Carefully reared in the teachings of the Catholic Faith she was 
soon to give proof of the lessons she had learned. 

The laxity of colonial custom was then so great that when the 
marriage contract was drawn up, it provided that whatever sons 
should be born should be raised in the father's Faith and the 
daughters in that of the mother. Many years passed before 
Mimika bore any children who lived. This was a sad trial both 
to her and her husband. At length Julius was given to her in 
Cuba, during her liusband's sojourn in that Island whilst hold- 
ing some Consular or other post under the U. S. Government. 
Then followed four other boys, but no girls ; and her pious heart 

* Vital's marriage was in advance of his brother's by two years or there- 
abouts, and sliorlly after that of his sister. 

f The same where her husband's sister, Lise, had been educated. 



28 BIOGRAPHY OF 

was almost in despair, since, according to the marriage contract, 
these boys Mere to be educated as Protestants. It was only after 
Julius had become a Catholic that her fervent prayers were 
heard and a Catholic daughter came to gladilen her motlier's 
heart. Though her husband was in every respect an affectionate 
and devoted one he was nevertheless, like his ancestors, a Hu- 
guenot, and as such greatly opposed to her religion. Imagining 
that he could win her over, young and loving as she was, he 
used every marital artifice; but he found her firm in her belief 
and like the rock, on which her church is built, not to be shaken ; 
and finally desisted wiien told "that if he did not, her mother's 
house was still open to her." He was not very strict as to the 
religious observances of his own faith and would only attend his 
church spasmodically, saying on such occasions "something must 
be done for these boys," and he would thereupon take his sons 
with him. Mimika, on the other hand, never failed to hear 
Mass. A man of the strictest integrity and punctilious in honor 
liimself he exacted the same of his boys, and these precepts he 
carefully inculcated in their youthful minds, and taught them 
that a gentleman should never tell a lie nor do a mean or dis- 
honorable act. This seems to have been the extent of his relig- 
ious instructions to them. 

When the family were living in Wilmington, and during the 
pastorate of Father Carroll at St. Peter's Church,* Mimika, who 
was an accomplished musician and handled the organ in a mas- 
terly manner, would play this instrument. Her husband, pos- 
sessing an exquisite voice and a fine musician himself and a great 
admirer of good music, did not allow his Huguenot principles to 
prevent his accompanying her. Together they soon organized a 
little choir, of wiiich she was the organist and he the director. 
By using a little pious diplomacy, she induced him to allow 
their boys to accon)pany them, representing the mischief they 
might, child-like, plunge into at home during their absence, and 
stating, that inasmuch as he was doing nothing for their I'elig- 
ious instruction and she could not bear to see them grow up 



•* The Church built through the exertions of his fiither-in-law, Pierre 
Bauduy, now the principal church and cathedral of Wilmington. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. 6 A RESCUE. 29 

like heathens, she wanted them at least to attend her church. 
To this he gave a tacit consent, and thus she had the happiness 
of seeing tlieni assist at tiie beautiful and touching ceremonies of 
the Catholic religion and learning at their tender age to venerate 
and love that Holy Faith which they should one day have the 
glorious privilege of embracing and practicing openly, and of 
which Frederick"" was to become a holy Minister at the Altar 
and Julius such a shining model. 

With her ever unfailing charity and tenderness of heart for 
the poor she conceived the idea of, and it was mainly through 
her persevering efforts that the first free dispensary in St. Louis 
was founded. This was in the year 1842, and her young son, 
Frederick, a youth of some 16 or 17 years, then studying for the 
medical profession, was its first apothecary. 

She had been equally charitable in Wilmington, Del., con- 
stantly visiting and succoring the Poor. And through her exer- 
tions mainly was the Orphan Asylum of Wilmington estab- 
lished, which is still standing, across from St. Peter's Church, 
on the very same site on which it was originally built. 

I may here be pardoned in summing up her life in the words 
of another. They are indeed so applicable. 

" Married at the early age of sixteen to a Protestant and com- 
pelled to spend her earlier years in the gayest society, she never 
intermitted for an instant the quiet and unobtrusive practice of 
her religion. The mother of a large family, of whom five were 
boys, she had the happiness to see them (with the exception of 
the youngest, Louis, who died in infancy) one after another, 
openly profess the Faith of whose teachings she was so edifying 
an example. Her husband too, though her superior in age, and 
a man remarkable for his talents, accomplishments, and amiable 
and winning manners, had never succeeded in weakening her 
devotion to her Religion, won by her sweet example, was granted 
to the prayers which she had unceasingly poured forth in his 
behalf and became a fervent and devoted member of the same 



* He afterwards, when about nineteen, entered the Society of Jesus in 
whicli he gained a great and merited reputation. He became famous as a 
preacher. 



30 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Church shortly before his death. She died in St. Louis, ISIo., in 
August 1855. Her death was calm and placid as that of the wave 
of the ebbing tide which dies along the shore. Tlie clergyman 
who was present, a short time before her death, yielding to a look 
of hers which he could only interpret as an attempt to express her 
earnest desire to receive the last Sacrament, administered Extreme 
Unction to her, almost against his own judgment, as there seemed 
to be no immediate danger of death. He had hardly finished 
the rites of his holy office, when this Christian soul went with 
a gentle sigh into the presence of that God whom she had so 
iiumbly served with trembling love during a long and honored 
life, amidst circumstances which would have conquered any 
thinfj short of heroic virtue." 

In the division of the co-partnership property of Jean P. and 
Vital M. Garesche, which consisted of Eden Park and its 
Powder Mills and of a very large quantity of uncultivated lands 
in the then wild West, Jean,* as the elder, proposed that he 

* Jean P. Garesche du Roclier married Cora Bauduy soon after his 
brother's marriage to her sister Mimiiva. 

His children were Bauduy P., John, Frank, Eliza, Julia, Mary and Cora. 
Biiuduy P. married Juliette McLane of Wihnini:;ton, Del. : .John was killed 
by the explosion of Hazard's Powder Mills at Wilmington, Del., of which 
ho was Superintendent. An improvement was introduced which had failed 
at his father's mills. Mr. Hazard thought that with some changes the im- 
provement would succeed. But John, who foresaw the impracticability and 
danger of the experiment, endeavored to prevail upon him not to undertake 
it and the night before he was killed, the eve of the contemplated trial, he 
spent the evening at Mr. Hazard's and insisted most strenuously' that it 
would not succeed and'would only, prove dangerous and probably fatal. He 
was then told that he had belter not assist himself at the trial. John was 
at the time about 22 or 23 years old. He replied that some of his workmen 
were men of family and he certainly could not permit them to risk their 
lives and he not his. That night he sat up till a late hour reading religious 
books on the subject of a sudden death. The next morning the experiment 
was made and, as he had predicted, cost the lives of all those engaged in it. 
The mill exploded and he and his employes were all killed. On his efiects 
being gathered together, after his death, to be sent to his family, certain 
marked passages were found in the books which he had been reading which 
referred to a sudden death. He was a model youth, free from vice and dis- 
sipation and devoted to his lloligion. Frank married and was many years 
afterwards lost at sea, by the foundering of the vessel on which he was voy- 
aging from his home in Victoria, Vancouver's Island, to San Francisco, en 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 31 

himself should retain Edeu Park and its Powder Mills, since 
his own family was composed mostly of girls and not fitted 
therefore to cope with a hardy western life, whilst Vital Marie, 
whose family consisted mainly of boys, should take their wild 
Western lands. Vital Marie was satisfied with such a proposi- 
tion, because he thought that the Great West, with its undevel- 
oped wealth and resources, offered a better field for the activity 
and energy of his boys. Accordingly in 1839, accompanied by 
all his family (excepting Julius, then a Cadet at West Point), 
he left Wilmington for St. Louis, Mo., where he arrived on the 
steamer Thames on a bright morning of the 1st of May, and 
thenceforward made his home at this old French settlement. 

As an illustration of what progress traveling has made it may 
be noted here that this trip was made in ten days — the voyage 
of the Thames from Pittsburg to St. Louis alone consuming 
seven — and on his arrival at St. Louis the papers remarked, 
"What a rapid transit from Philadelphia to St. Louis!" 

Before leaving Delaware Vital had been api)oiuted by the 
Government its Examiner of Western Land Offices. Twice he 
made the visit of all of them, going alone from St. Louis to New 
Orleans by land ; often tethering his horse at night and sleeping 
on blankets on the bare ground, more than thirty miles from any 
habitation. Both these visitations were made under the Admin- 
istration of General Jackson, a warm personal friend and great 
admirer of his abilities. On being asked by the old Hero to 
make the second he declined, because, as he stated, the pay voted 
by Congress was altogether insufficient for the hardships and 
risks of the service. General Jackson then insisted on indemni- 
fying him out of his own purse, if he would only mention what 
was due; but Vital refused this generous offer, and consented to 
go upon the pay allowed by Congress. As he was then contem- 
plating removing to St. Louis General Jackson promised him its 
Postmastership, but his successor, Van Buren, at Senator Ben- 
ton's instance, did not fulfill the promise. Vital inaugurated 

route to visiting his relatives in the United States : Eliza married Mr. Flor- 
ence Verrier of Cuba: Julia married Mr. Alfred Francis of Philadelphia: 
Mary married Mr. Damas Laine of Cuba : and Cora married Dr. Clymer of 
Wilmington, Del. 



32 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the present system of kce])ing the Land Office business, under 
whicli checks were established, which put an end to the terrible 
frauds and defalcations which had before existed. His death 
■was due to his exposure on these trips, for his naturally strong 
constitution broke down and he became one of the many victims 
of that terrible and fatal disease, Consumption. By advice of 
his physicians he started, in the latter part of November 1843, 
for the Island of Cuba (where his wife had relatives) to re- 
cuperate, though he himself had no hope of any relief. His 
wife and two little girls accompanied him, his boys remaining 
in the United States. 

Shortly before, God had permitted him, through the long, 
fervent and unceasing prayers of his pious consort, as well as 
by her sweet example, to embrace the Truth, In the Fall of 
1843 he became a Catholic and made his First Communion 
shortly afterwards in the same year. For many years previous 
lie was a firm believer in all the doctrines of the Catholic Church 
except Trans-substantiation. 

AVhilst he wished for Faith he was too conscientious to join 
while he had a single doubt. He read many works seeking for 
the Truth, without any result however, and it was only through 
the chance reading of a certain Book that his eyes opened. This 
work, entitled the Auto-Odyssey of an English gentleman voy- 
aging through France, had been loaned to him by Archbishop, 
then Bishop, Kenrick of St. Louis, a great friend of his, simply 
for his pleasure, the Bishop knowing that he was thoroughly 
French in his prejudices and tastes. In one part the Book gave 
a discussion on his stumbling-block, viz., Trans-substantiation, 
and in such a masterly manner that the scales fell from his eyes, 
the Truth was made manifest, and he was induced to surrender 
his belief. He imraediatelv laid down the Work and exclaim- 
ing "I believe" soon sought the Bishop and was received by 
him into the true Fold. 

His presentiment that his disease was incurable proved indeed 
only too true. 

He stayed at the plantation of Mimika's relative, Aristide Des 
Chapelles, near Cardenas, called Eden Park, after the home in 
Wilmington, Delaware. Finding no improvement in his con- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 33 

dition, but that, on the contrary, he was sinking fast, he became 
most eager to return liome. The only passenger boat then be- 
tween Havana and New Orleans was the Tacon, a very swift 
sailing vessel which made the trip in forty-eight hours. Berths 
for himself, his wife and two little daughters were accordingly 
engaged and in a broiling hot sun they were all rowed out to it 
in a gig. But, when it was seen how weak he was, he was re- 
fused permission to come aboard ; because, at that period, the 
Havanese had the same horror of Consumption that people 
nowadays have of Small Pox. He was, thereupon, rowed back 
with his family to Havana and taken to the Yellow Fever Hos- 
pital in that city. His great effort in his weak state — the broil- 
ing sun — and the bitter disappointment finished him and he died 
that night, Holy Thursday of April 1844. His poor wife's 
desolation and misery at that terrible moment was heartrending, 
for Havana contained not a relative, not a single friend. Aris- 
tide had accompanied them there from Eden Park and then gone 
home, never dreaming of the dreadful catastrophe that was to 
follow. 

Vital died slowly and gently, receiving all the last Sacraments 
of that Church which he had so lately embraced and of which 
he had since shown himself such a firm and devoted member, 
and sending benedictions to his distant boys, resigned to the will 
of God which deprived him of giving them a farewell kiss and 
blessing. He was buried in Havana. 

Strange contrast! That same night of his death a soiree was 
being given at the Hospital to Ole Bull, and the shouts and jests 
of the convivial party in the adjoining room could be distinctly 
heard in the sorrowing wife's apartment. 

Vital Marie was a man of great accomplishments and talents, 
a finished scholar, and a skilful Artist in painting as Avell as 
music. A tender and loving husband, he was also a fond and 
devoted parent. Under his careful tuition his boys had learned 
swimming, fencing, boxing, and other manly and useful attain- 
ments as well as the gentler and more polite training every true 
young gentleman should possess. Of an amiable disposition 
and with most refined and winning manners he possessed also 
strong character and was the very soul of honor. On one occa- 

8 



34 BIOGRAPHY OF 

sion, when in his position of Government Land Examiner lie 
detected a lieavy defalcation and was offered a large bribe if he 
would not report it, he, like a true and loyal man, scorning the 
base proposal, resolutely refused the tempter and exposed the 
fraud to the Government. 

While a resident of St. Louis he was once or twice a member 
of its City Council, also President of its Public Schools, and 
this at a time when Offices sought the men and not men the 
Offices; for these positions were the spontaneous offerings of 
the people to him. 

A true patriot, he joined Captain Geo. Read's Volunteer Com- 
pany of Delaware Light Artillery, which was in the U. S. ser- 
vice from November 28, 1814 to February 11, 1815 (a period 
of 2| months), and formed during the war with Great Britain. 

A distant coinicction of the Empress Josephine through the 
Beauharnais family he was on one occasion on a visit to Paris, 
but did not call on her, simple citizen that he was in respect to 
her rank. On the day before his departure, Josephine, having 
learned of his presence in Paris, sent him a personal invitation 
to call. But, as he was unwilling to postpone his departure, he 
did not do so ; and, as he afterwards observed, " What a different 
career I may have had, had I accepted her invitation !" He 
cared very little for pomp and show, and yet, with the versatil- 
ity of his talents and attainments and with his elegant and pol- 
ished manners, he would have made his mark even in the 
brilliant Society by which she was then surrounded. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 35 



CHAPTER III. 

Julius' birth — childhood — College life — Latin letter — desire to become a 
practical Catholic and consent of his father — remarks of his college chum, 
Mr. John T. Doyle, and of Fathers Stonestreet, Clarke, and Ward of the 
College — application for and appointment as cadet to West Point — anec- 
dote of his missing the train. 

Having now given a brief account of his ancestry and imme- 
diate family I shall proceed to take up the subject of my sketch. 

Julius Peter Garesche du Rocher was born on the 26th of 
April 1821, the Feast day of Saints Cletus and Marcellinus, 
Popes and Martyrs, in the Island of Cuba, on the plantation of 
"A la Redardo" near Havana, belono-ino^ to a Mr. Antonio 
Frijo, and of which his maternal grandfather, Pierre Bauduy, 
was at the time Administrator. 

He received in baptism the name of Julius Peter; Peter after 
his maternal uncle, Peter Baudiiy. Inasmuch as the Catholic 
religion was the only one tolerated in Cuba his father permitted 
him to be baptized in it and because infant baptism coincided 
with his own belief, but he had no intention that lie should be 
reared in any other than the Protestant religion. He even after- 
wards permitted his two following boys, Alexander John Peter 
(Alexandre Juan Pedro Jo.se de la Trinidad) and Frederick 
Peter, also born in Cuba, to be likewise baptized, reserving his 
right to their being educated as Protestants. Little did Julius' 
Catholic mother and Protestant father dream that their puny 
babe, as he lay in his swaddling clothes looking so small and 
insignificant and seemingly incapai)le of becoming aught much, 
was one day to become the pride of his family, a second Aloysius 
and staitdess Bayard, a true Catholic in every sen.se of the term. 
If his good mother could only have foreseen the Future how 
happy would her pious maternal heart have been, now so discon- 
solate at giving birth to a boy destined as such to be raised in 
another Faith. 



36 BIOGRAPHY OF 

As he was tlie first one of his motlier's oliildrcn that lived at 
all, lie was also the first one that became a Catholic. She was 
without daughters until then, when it seemed as if God blessed 
her pious and yearning motherly heart by vouchsafing her a 
double blessing: making her model boy a Catholic and there- 
after givino; her a little Catholic daughter. 

In 1827, when Julius was about six years old and his brothers 
Alexander and Frederick respectively four years and eighteen 
months in age, his Parents returned with their little family of 
boys to the United States and settled in New York, where they 
remained for three years. During all this ])eriod of Julius' life 
there occurred nothing particularly characteristic which would 
serve to distinguish him from other children. 

In December of 1827 his mother gave birth at New York to 
her fourth boy, Ferdinand Louis, and at some period of 1829 
or 1830 she returned with her husband and family to Wilmington, 
Del. During this interval they had made occasional visits to 
Wilmington, in one of which Frederick P. was baptized by an 
Episcopalian minister. 

His mother was again domiciled in dear old Eden Park, that 
home of her childhood, where so many happy years had been 
spent. It was now tenanted by her cherished sister Cora and 
her husband, Vital's brother, and their little family. For the 
next three years Julius and Alexander attended an academy on 
Quaker Hill kept by Mr. Samuel Smith, a strict Quaker. This 
school was admirable for its discipline and studies. Even at 
this tender age Julius was remarked for those traits of mind 
and heart, so distinctively characteristic of his after life. Quiet 
and gentle in disposition, studious, strictly truthful and })unctil- 
ious in his honor, he was looked up to as the pattern boy of the 
family and of the whole city. 

He frequently complained to his mother that in going to and fro 
from school he was constantly gettino- into fiiihts on his brother 
Alexander's account. ' " If a boy, ISIamma, only looks at him, 
no matter how big he is, Aleck quarrels with him and then I 
have to take the fight up." She, knowing how averse he was 
to street fights, would thereupon reproach Alexander. The lat- 
ter who, though possessing a good heart was nevertheless a boy 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 37 

ready for any mischief and excitement, no matter what, would 
answer that " he did not ask any one to fight his battles for him." 

Often in the afternoon when her three elder boys, Julius, 
Alexander and Frederick, returned from school, she would send 
them with as much fire wood as they could carry in their little 
arms to the wretched hovels of the poor whom she had visited 
in the day, wishing to accustom them at this early age to such 
acts of charity as would initiate them into the sufferings and 
misery of God's poor as also induce them to overcome that 
inordinate and foolish pride of human opinion so common to 
children of their age and conditioni Thus did Julius early 
learn that devoted charity and love for the poor and unfortunate 
that distinguished his after life. 

On the 25th of October, 1829, his fourth and youngest 
brother, Louis, was born. The child was baptized a Catholic 
in St. Peter's Ciiurch (the present cathedral) on the third of the 
following month. But it did not live lonji:, and a few months 
later, on the 10th of June, 1830, its angel spirit took flight and 
winged its way to join the celestial choir of Angels, and its mor- 
tal remains were interred in the Wilmington Cemetery. It was 
the last boy that Julius' mother bore and completed her quintuple. 
Henceforward her little family were to become members of her 
faith, and Julius was the chosen lamb who should lead them 
into that fold. 

When there was question of placing Julius and his cousin 
Bauduy,* elder son of Mr. Jean P. Garesch^ du liocher, at col- 
lege, Vital Marie, by consent of both families, was asked to 
choose the locality. Vital's wife underwent great anxiety at the 
time and prayed most fervently herself and had many prayers 
offered up by others that a Protestant college should not be 

* Bauduy P., one of Julius' favorite cousins, who married October 2, 
1849, Miss Juliette McLane (named after his maternal grandmother, Julia 
Bauduy), daugliter of Louis McLane of Wilmington, Del., Secretary of 
tlie Treasury and of State under General Jackson, Minister to England, 
and President of the Baltimore and Ohio K. K., and sister of the present 
U. S. Minister to France. Bauduy died in St. Louis in 18G9 and his widow 
died in 1885, a Religious of the Sacred Heart, in which Order her two 
daughters Kitty and Lily were already Religious, having entered before 
her. 



38 BIOGRAPHY OF 

selected. These invocations to tlie Most Higli were indeed 
heard; for lier liusband, after visiting some of the ])rinoipal 
Protestant colleges, dissatisfied with their discipline, decided 
iijwn the Jesuit College of Georgetown, D. C, being at once 
charmed with the manners of its instructors and knowing that 
they were then the best preceptors of the classics in the country. 
Accordingly in September, 1833, the opening of the collegiate 
year, he entered his son Julius, then only twelve years of age, 
and his nephew Bauduy in tiiat institution as boarders. Julius 
continued there until jMay, 1837, when he left for the Military 
Academy of West Point. Meanwhile he ranked as first in all 
his classes, receiving each year numerous medals — emblematic 
of his great talents and close application. 

At all the college Commencements he declaimed and always 
in French, having a most conspicuous place on the Programme 
of the exercises. On one such occasion his mother made the 
journey, a long and wearying one in those days, in order to be 
present, and on her return home she dwelt on the modesty and 
humility with which he bore his honors. He became quite pro- 
ficient in Latin and used to correspond with his father in this 
tongue. One of his Latin poems was sent on to Rome by the 
college authorities as a specimen of what an American (barba- 
rian?) could do. 

A Latin Letter of Julius to his father, written in December 
1836. 

"Georgeopolituni Collegii Jack. Proes. Prldie Idus Anno Domini 1836. 

"Julius Garescli^ Patri kSuo carissiino salutein dat. Maxiiuas til)i gratias 
ago, mi pater, quod milii veniam dcdisti taeiendi, quod proximis littoris a 
te expetivi, ne credas cum tantum apud me benefioium collocas, illud in 
sterili agro collocari aut nullum daturum esse fruotum ; minimi ver6 ; 

c? 7 7 

nulla unquam calamitas hujustantfe acceptje grati:\> momoriam immiuuet, 
sed tamen oordo semper lixum inlijerebit, nisi fortasse declarandi eam 
occasionem reperiam, et ex hoc amor erga te beiievolentiaque, si potest 
etiam hoc fieri, erunt profectii amplilicata. Ad nostram scilicet Wilming- 
tonis urbem matrem certi; meani redusse puto, unas enim ei literas con- 
scripsi, iiaud long{> post, nudius nemp6 quintns ct nullum adhuc acecpi 
responsum, quamvis earn satis habere otii Philadelphia; nosco, verum 
familiarum omni cura soluta et vacua; fao scribas mihi quomodo nunc 
eoror parva Maria valet, an meliCis, an pejCls, nam tamdiCl est quin literas 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 39 

ullas matre excepi, ut nescio sane quid facilis aut quomodo valetis. Ut 

exemplo hoc confirinein, banc scilicet caussam esse putabain, cur nuUas 

nuper litteras accepi, sororem in morbum etiam majorem recidisse. ac vos 

tantA, sollicitudine, tantis curis oppresses, ne tantulam quidem tempus 

habere niihi Alexandrove scribere e pistol am ; rescribo ii^itur mihi, care 

pater, statini ut lias legeris, ut tandem noscam, quae ratio valetudinis sit 

parv86 Marise, nam animi interdum angore maximo versor. Maximum 

fuit, baud longfe ante incendium, in ipso limine, ut itti dicam, collegii, ani- 

madvertisti fortasse duas ligno structas aedes, a sinistra sitas, paul(5 ante 

quam collegii portam intrares harum proximae illae collegio ignem casu 

aliquo misero concepere, neque ulla vis coeli, quamvis per omne tempus 

rorarat imbrem, neque ulla hominum licet magna contentio, ejus furiosos 

impetus aut sistere aut morari potuit, sed inanem inutilemque operam 

suinpserunt, igni vires adeo non defecere, ut etiam augeri visi sint, et item 

omnibus circumstantium conatibus illudere: eo modo aliquantum temporis 

majCis ac majCis pen-exit incendium crescere, donee summum attigit, et in 

ruinas sublapsa est domus. Feci equidem omne quod mihi per setatem 

ac vires licebat, et acie duplice inter ignem ac antliam instructa ad aquam 

facilifis transferendam, ibi prsecipufe omnes nisus contuli fuit etiam alterum 

haud paulo oedificium incensum, quod sine dubio ex auditu noscis, nerapfe 

commune epistolarum diribitorium ; potest ita matris epistola si ullum 

mihi adhuc responsuni misit, potest forsitan incensaesse. Cum nuperrimfe 

apud Dominos Bayard ac Milligan prandimus, subito mihi dixit prior, 

haud verisimiliter ignoratis, quod pater tuus sibi aninio ducit ineunte vere 

niigrare in Missouri ; respondi statim, te de hac re me saepfe audivisse 

loquentem et me credere item te illud in mente habere, sed nescire tamen 

pro certo statuissc; dixit autem ; ' Imci vero, illud tandem sibi fixum 

natumque ha])et.' Die, quoeso, pater, mihi proximis litteris, anne pro- 

fect6 hoc verum est nccne, nam magis dubito. Vale, mi pater ac mihi 

statim rescribe, nam avidfe expecto tuas litteras, et memento me interdum 

Kumma impatientia arere audiendi quae domi geruntur. Meo loco oscula 

matrem fratresque duos ac sororem. Iterum tibi nunc, optimfe patrum, 

valedico, 

Julius Garesch^." 

Translation. 

"GEORGETOVrN CoLLEGE, PRESIDENCY OF JaCKSON, 

December 12th, 1836. 

"Julius Garesche salutes his dearest Father. 
" My dear Father, 

"I thank you very much for granting me the permission which 
I asked in my last letter. Be assured, that in bestowing so great a favor 
upon me, you have not sown in sterile or unfruitful soil. No misfortune 
will ever cause me to lose the lively remembrance of having received such 
a favor; but, on the contrary, the memory of it will remain forever locked 
up within my heart, unless, perchance, I should find an opportunity of 



40 BIOGRAPIir OF 

makino; it public, and thus, if that Avere possible, of increasing my love and 
gratitude toward you. 

" I feel sure that my mother has returned to Wilmington, for I wrote to 
her five days ago and have as yet received no reply ; althougli I know that 
in Philadelphia, freed from all houschidd cares, she had sufficient leisure 
for writing. I>o write and tell me how my little sister Mary is; whether 
better or worse. It is so long since I have received a letter from my 
mother that I know not how you all are, or what you ai-e doing. As a 
proof of this I thought the cause of my receiving no letter lately was that 
my sister had grown worse and that you, overpowered by care and anxiety, 
had not time to write even a short epistle to Alexander or myself. Answer 
therefore, my dear father, as soon as you read this, that I may know at 
length the condition of little Mary's health ; for, in the meantime, I shall 
be in the greatest anxiety. 

"There was a great fire lately at the very doors of the college. You 
perhaps noticed two wooden buildings on the left, a short distance from 
the college gate. Of these tlie one nearest the college, by some wretched 
mishap, caught fire, and neither tiie power of the skies, — for it was rain- 
ing hard the whole time, — nor the exertions of men, whose efforts proved 
vain and useless, availed to subdue or check the fury of the flames, which 
did not abate in strength, but seemed to increase in violence, and to mock 
the efforts of those who sought to control them. Thus the fire went on 
increasing for some time, until it reached the roof and the house fell in 
ruins. I did all that my age and strength would allow me. A double 
line, formed between the fire and a pump, was the scene of my chief exer- 
tions. Not long afterwards the post office building was burned, as, doubt- 
less, you have heard. It may be that my mother's letter, if she has 
answered mine, was also burned. 

"Lately, when dining with Messrs. Bayard and Milligan, tlie former 
said to rae ; ' You are no doubt aware that your father intends, when Spring 
comes, to emigrate to Missouri.' I replied that I had often heard yon 
speak of the matter, and believed you intended to go, but did not know 
you had decided on doing so. He answered : ' Yes, the matter has been 
finally settled.' Tell me, my dear father, I beg of you, whether this be 
true or not: for I feel so very uncertain. 

"Farewell, my dear father. Write to me immediately, for I am eagerly 
waiting for your letter; and remember that I am most impatient to hear 
of what is going on at home. Kiss my mother for me, also my two 
brothers and sister. 

"Again, my dearest father, farewell, 

"Julius Garescu^." 

Not long after Julius had been at college, feeling convinced 
that the Catholic religion was the only true one and that as such 
it was his duty to become a full and practical member of it, he 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 41 

determined on becoming so. With him duty liad always been, 
as it always was afterwards, paramount over all other considera- 
tions. Knowing his Father's great partiality for the Classics he 
wrote his petition to him in the form of a long and beautiful 
Latin letter. His Mother knew that the letter had come, for 
she had been expecting it. When, therefore, some days passed, 
and her husband continued silent on the subject, though evi- 
dently much moved, she ventured to ask him what he intended 
answering. " What can I answer to a son who has raised my 
name so high and has never caused me one moment's sorrow? 
I can refuse him nothing." 

Julius' brother Alexander joined him at Georgetown in 1834. 
He, too, wished to become a practical Catholic and wrote to his 
father asking such permission, but it was only after long and 
repeated efforts on his part that the desired consent was given 
and then only reluctantly, his father firmly determining that it 
should be the last concession. He thereupon placed his two 
younger boys Frederick and Ferdinand as boarders with an 
Episcopalian clergyman, so that there should be no possibility 
of their becoming Catholics. But, on his return from a length- 
ened absence, he detected them in some escapade, which so in- 
censed him that turning them over to their mother he said she 
could make Catholics or any thing she wished of them, provided 
she made them truthful. 

Soon after becoming a practical Catholic by consent of his 
father Julius expressed the wish of joining the Sodality of the 
Blessed Virgin Mary and was admitted as a member on the 12th 
of October 1834, Feast of the Maternity. On December the 
8th 1834, Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the B. V. M., 
a solemn High Mass was offered with Father Grace, S. J., as 
celebrant and Fathers Lilly and Brogard S. J., as assistants, and 
the Sodalists all approached Holy Communion, to the edification 
of every body. On January the 27th, 1837, a meeting of the 
Sodalists was held, in order to elect some member to fill the 
position of Assistant, just vacated by the resignation of James 
Laphen. The election resulted in Julius being chosen by a very 
large majority of votes, and he continued to hold this position to 
the great satisfaction^of all up to the time he left for West Point. 



42 BioaiiAPnr of 

During his wliole college course he won golden opinions from 
his Professors and Prefects for his close ajiplication to his studies, 
his great "talents, his ever gentlemanly deportment, goodness of 
heart, steadfastness and uprightness of character, and strict atten- 
tion to all his duties, both secular and religious. Nor were his 
classmates slow to appreciate his many noble qualities. 

As an instance of how he was regarded at Geory-etown Colleo;e 
I take the liberty of inserting the following testimony of some 
of those who knew him then. 

Mr. Jno. T. Doyle, now of San Francisco, Cal., and a college 
chum of Julius, says: 

" lie was a good and conscientious student. Did all his work fully and 
faithfully ; but that once done he enjoyed his leisure in conversation, or a 
walk, or a book. A very qiuet boy physically, thouj^h of a very even, 
ehoorful and sunny disposition, and a hearty lau<i;hter at any thing reason- 
ably the subject of merriment. [ think thp most modest person both as 
man and boy I ever knew. 

" Sometimes a little disputatious (to coin a word) and pleased to split 
hairs and chop logic over the playroom fire in winter." 

Extracts from a letter of Rev. C. H. Stonestreet, S. J., then a 
Professor at Georgetown : 

" Julius was not my scholar at College while I taught there. As a bright 
genius I felt an uncommon interest in him and wished him to hold in class 
the first place. 

"As a boy he was of great activity and full of play. He thought more 
of setting his traps for hares around the College walks and catciiing them 
than of searching for Greek roots and writing Sapphic odes in Latin. 
When he chose earnestly to apply to his studies fortune was his captive 
and he wore her best badge. 

" But, amid all the innocent thoughtlessness of youth, he was true to 
the main thing : and his moral observance and pious Deportment made 
his talents pay homage to religion. 

"After this 1 lost sight of him for some years, but from time to time 
news came from AVest Point that made us proud of our ' olim' boy stu- 
dent. His characteristics appear to me to have been genius and great 
talents tempered and restrained by innate reserve." 

Statement of Rev. William F. Clarke, S. J., his Prefect: 

" On no occasion did I ever have a single fault to find with Julius. He 
was always good, quiet and gentlemanly, in every respect the model of a 
true Christian and a perfect gentleman." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 43 

Rev. James A. Ward, S. J., liLs Professor during his last year, 
his class being the Poetry or Sophomore, said : 

".Julius was my pupil from September 1830 to May 1837, when he left 
for West Point to pass his preliminary examination. I)urin;f all this time 
he was all that I cnuld wish for: not only heinjf always attentive and po- 
lite, but also being remarkably proficient in all his studies. lie carried 
off monthly all the first honors of all his classes and had he remained 
until July (tlicn the termination of the collegiate year) would have done 
likewise. And I have no doubt but that he would have been equally suc- 
cessful had he remained the two ensuing years to graduate. Not only did 
*he display remarkable proficiency in the Classics and in English, but he 
also excelled in Mathematics and French.* Though ho wrote English 
poetry very beautifully he did not manifest much liking for it, and once 
on being questioned by myself the reason for this he answered that he did 
not think that Mathematics and Poetry agreed well together, that one un- 
fitted a man for the other. lie was very particular about his mathematical 
studies, for which he had such great aptitude, owing to his being anxious 
to pass successfully the preliminary examination at West Point and be- 
cause this branch of study was the principal one at that Academy." 

The year before Julius left Georgetown his Father, whose 
circumstances were then embarrassed, wrote to him that he 
could no longer support him at College without failing in his 
duty towards his other children. As Julius aspired to the 
highest education then attainable, and at the same time looked 
upon the Army as the most honorable })rofession a gentleman 
could follow, he asked permission of his Father to enter the 
Military Academy of West Point, who nothing loath aj)proved 
his wish, and following is his own correspondence relating 
thereto as also Julius' acceptance of his appointment as Cadet. 

"Wilmington, October 13th, 1836. 
" Dear Sir, 

"I send you a copy of a letter I address to Ilon'*''^ Benj. F. Butler, 
Acting Sect'y of War. Excuse me if I trouble you with this matter; but 
if you could use your influence in my behalf I should be very thankful 
indeed. 

* The Classics seem to have been Julius' forte. For some years after he 
left Georgetown he corresponded regularly with one of his classmates in 
Latin, and when he was stationed subsequently at Fort McIIcnry, Md., he 
was actually preparing a translation of Horace, in which he thought he 
had found some improved readings. 



44 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"In recommending my son, I do not think I place a burden on the 
shoulders of the Government. He is very eajier to get in and his ambition 
makes him aiitii-ipate the first honors of the Aoadoinjr. Indeed if from the 
past we can jiul_:;e of the future, I should predict that he will make a use- 
ful member of the Kepublic. I owe you certainly a very great apology for 
thus trespassing lipon you, but I know from experience your willingness 

to oblige me. 

" I am very respectfully, 

" Dear Sir, 

" Your obed't serv't, 

"V. M. Garescii]^-. 

« 

" P.S. I have given my son a letter for the President. I almost feel 
ashamed to ask of you the favor of introducing him having so little claim 
to such a favor; but an introduction by you would almost insure success 
or at least a note to Maj. Donaldson. 
"Maj. Wjf. B. Lewis, 

" 2nd Auditor of the War Dcpt., 
"Washington, D. C." 

The enclosed letter to Mr. Butler. 

"Wilmington, Del., October 13, 1836. 
"Sir:— 

" In 1833 Mr. Louis McLane, then Sect'y. of the Treasury, informed me 
that lion'''® Lewis Cass, with the consent of the President, had placed my 
son, Julius P. Gareschc, on the list of candidates (for the state of Delaware) 
to the AVest Point Academy. 

" Subsequently Henry Gilpin Esq., having superior claims had his 
brother entered in preference to my son. But now tliat this obstacle is 
removed by the discharge of the young man, could not my son resume his 
rank. He obtained at the last Commencement of Georgetown College three 
medals and one piHMuium, in different classes; he has one more ^'ear to per- 
fect himself in his Latin and Greek and will then be si.xteon. His ambi- 
tion is very great. A father's partiality aside and judging solely from the 
honors repeatedly received at College ho bids fair to make a distinguished 
officer. 

" I am very respectfully, 

" Sir, Your obed't. serv't, 

" V. M. Garesch^. 
" IIo.v. Benj. F. Butler, 

''Acting Sect'y. of War:' 

"Wilmington, Del., November -ith, 1836. 
" Sir, 

" I was honored with your letter of the 1st inst. and feel very thankful 
with the prospects you Iiold out of my son Julius' application being taken 
up in March next. He will then have the advantage on entering of a 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 45 

complete College education, a very tolerable fluency in French and mathe- 
matical knowledge up to Differential and Integral Calculus and Conic 
Sections. With such a foundation at the age of sixteen and ambition to 
soar far above, I hope he will make himself a wortliy member of the corps 
in which he may be admitted. 

. " I am very respectfully, 

" Sir 

" Your obed't serv't, 

"V. M. Garesche. 
"IIon'ble b. F. Butler, 

" Sect'y of War ad int. 

"Washington." 

"Washington, D. C, Feb. 14, 1837. 
" Sir, 

"As it is not my Avish to stand in opposition to the Keed family of New 
Castle, Delaware, allow me to withdraw my application for the admission 
of my son Julius into the West Point Academy. The great interest I take 
in the Reed family and the friendly ties that bind us together make me 
waive priority of claims for other claims of greater importance. My son 
Julius has been made reconciled to it and I hope that nothing will now 
stand in the path of the new candidate. 

" I am very respectfully, 

" Sir, Your obed't serv't, 



"V. M. Garesche. 



"Hon'ble b. F. Butler, 

" Acting SecVy of War 
"Washington." 

"Wilmington, March 20th, 1837. 
"Sir, 

" Gov'' Cass had two years ago promised to my friend Mr. Louis McLane, 
then Sect'y of State, that my son Julius would be admitted a cadet afAVest 
Point, as soon as he entered his 16th year, the application I believe was 
sanctioned by Gen' Jackson and is probably on file in your office. Last 
f\xll the application was renewed and no obstacle seemed to stand in our 
way, until one month ago, when Judge Clayton applied in behalf of the 
son of the late Geo. Reed of New Castle. The intimacy that subsists be- 
tween our families and their destitute situation induced me to withdraw 
my application. I was not aw.are however that young Reed was but 14 
and consequently unable to take advantage of the favors of Government 
and moreover that the idea had originated with Judge Clayton, the family 
of young Reed being as yet undecided as to their future plans respecting 
him. Messrs. Milligan and Bayard, members of our delegation, explained 
these circumstances to Mr. Butler, who, with the consent of Judge Clay- 
ton, promised he would issue Julius' warrant, at least so I was informed 



46 BIOGRAPHY GF 

by Mr. Bayard. My anxiety to hear the result is my excuse for trespass- 
ing on your time. 

" I remain very respectfully, 

"Sir 

"Yourobed't Serv't 

"V. M. Garesch^. 
" IIon'ble the Secretary of War 

"Washington." 

"Georgetown College, Thursday, March 30th, 1837. 
"Sir, 

" I had the honor of receiving from your hand a few days since, a war- 
rant of Cadet in the Service of the United States, provided I possessed the 
qualities requisite for admission into the Academy. I did not, at once 
intimate my acceptance as I was uncertain as to two or three particulars, 
relating to the formula and time of so doing, which I have since inquired 
into and now hasten to signify my assent to the conditions and acceptance 
of the warrant. At the same time, I beg of you to accept my sincere and 
grateful thanks for the honor conferred on me, and I shall endeavor that 
the whole course of my conduct, whilst at the Academy, may be such as 
to justify the expectations which may have been entertained of me in be- 
stowing it, and not cause you to repent of your goodness in doing so. My 
father will shortly be on to Washington himself, perhaps in the course of 
a' fortnight, and Avill, in person, perform the part required of him in 
assenting to the conditions of the warrant. 

" I have the honor. Sir, to remain 

" Your obliged and humble servant, 

"Julius P. Garesch^." 

" I hereby give my consent to my son Julius P. Garesch6 entering the 
Military Academy at West Point and serving truly and faithfull}^ tlie 

United States for Five years. 

" V. M. GAREscni. 
"Washington, D. C, April 17th, 1837. 

" IIon'"'-^ Joel R. Poinsett, 
" Secretary of War, 

"Washington, D. C." 

When the carriage drove up to the door of the College to 
convey Julius to the R.R. station in Washington, when he was 
leaving for West Point, one of the Brothers, Brother Mullen, 
the outdoor Brother, ordered it away, and by this high-handed 
proceeding Julius missed a train. The good Brother's motive 
for acting thus, was in accordance with the general belief 
throughout the College that Julius would be a Jesuit; and he 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 47 

thought that the boy's father was sending hun to West Point 
only to destroy this vocation and that he himself was performing 
a meritorious action for the boy's sake in dismissing the means 
which would deprive him of his vocation. 

Many of the readers of this book may here stop and wonder- 
ingly exclaim at Julius' desire of entering the profession of arms 
and think it strange indeed for such a pious and Christian boy. 
Yet it is not wonderful that they should, when even those who 
surrounded him in Georgetown's classic and holy precincts should 
think likewise, astonished indeed that one so quiet and reserved 
and imbued with such sincere and practical piety, so thoroughly 
unselfish in every respect and possessing such refined ideas, should 
select for his career the hardy, rough and too frequently dissi- 
pated life of a soldier. They would have imagined, like the 
good Brother, that the youthful Julius, a second Aloysius in his 
modest and Catholic deportment, would rather have selected the 
peaceful and holy life of a religious, far removed from the rude, 
clamorous and ever changing world. Such persons would judge 
not unwisely and yet even their logical judgment could be at 
fault. For God can take the most holy and refined souls and 
place them in a life of moral turmoil and danger, and instead of 
being contaminated by their surroundings, they will only shine 
out with the greater splendor and come forth gloriously trium- 
phant, nay even convert to good deeds and to a pious life those 
amidst whom they have been and from whom only harm and 
wickedness was to be expected. Take for example the great St. 
Louis and so many other saintly souls who led a martial life 
without ever receiving any marks of spiritual harm, and who 
even shed a lustre by their virtues on that life of iron and steel. 

A soldier's life is indeed a dangerous one ! In time of war 
by the numerous and ever varying dangers that lurk in his path, 
and in time of peace by the constant and fatal temptations of the 
flesh that a life of inglorious ease is apt to engender. 

And indeed West Point, like all other great Colleges where 
Religion is not taught, might well be considered in the eyes of 
the prudent or timid as a dangerous place for a young boy to 
enter ; especially for one reared as Julius had been, under the 



48 BIOGRAPHY OF 

fostering and watchful care of his pious and Catholic mother, 
and with such strong religious principles as were implanted in 
his youthful breast. For how few Catholics were there who 
entered that Academy and of that small number how very few 
were there who kept up the practice of their holy Religion, when 
to do so was to subject themselves to numberless difficulties as 
well as expose themselves to the cold sneer and cruel ridicule of 
their thoughtless and oft-times heartless fellow Cadets. 



LJEVT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 49 



CHAPTER IV. 

His life at West Point — accident while home on furlough and manly forti- 
tude—appointed A. A. Professor of French — severe illness just before 
graduation — graduation and assignment to the 4th Artillery — curious 
thing about his Class — remarks of Professors Kendrick and Bartlett and 
Classmates Generals Don Carlos Buell, F. F. Flint and Z. B. Tower— a 
manuscript of Julius — departure to spend his graduating furlough with 
his relatives and family — horse named after him. 

Julius left Georgetown in May 1837 for West Point with 
the best wishes of his boyish companions, and of his Prefects and 
Professors for his future life. Though they all wished hira suc- 
cess, many felt a pang of regret at parting from this talented and 
winning boy, whom all had learned to love so much as well as 
respect and admire. Indeed, he left behind him a memory never 
to be forgotten, one indelibly impressed on the hearts of those 
who now bade hira adieu. 

As I have shown, through the correspondence of his father on 
the subject, he received his appointment as Cadet from the Hon. 
J. R. Poinsett, Secretary of War, upon the recommendation of 
the Hon. Lewis Cass and Mr. Bayard, Member of Congress from 
Delaware and father of the present Secretary of State, and was 
credited as appointed from Delaware, not charged to any of its 
Congressional Districts. 

When Julius arrived at the Military Academy it was first 
necessary for him to pass the preliminary examination which he 
did and with great success. Then on the 1st of July he was 
sworn in with the other successful embryo soldiers before the 
Adjutant of the Academy, and thereupon entered upon his 
academic duties. He was now only sixteen years old and the 
ilm-d youngest in his Class, which was an extremely large one 
for that time, numbering very nearly one hundred members. 

He entered West Point in one sense in an extremely favorable 
manner, and yet in another in just the reverse. For with his 
great talents he bade fair to attain a distinguished rank among 

4 



50 BIOGRAPHY OF 

liis Classmates, and yet being the only Catholic in his Class he 
rendered himself liable to the unfoclinf; and cruel remarks of this 
same Class as also, what was still more to be dreaded, to the 
sneers, taunts, and ridicule of the upper Classes who are all 
powerful and domineering and who have it in their power to 
make the life of the " Plebes," (as the 4th or lowest Class 
is called), almost unbearable, by means of that terrible system of 
"Hazing" which from time immemorial they have chosen to 
exercise as their right. Julius' position on his entrance, for this 
very reason of being a Catholic, was even more trying than that 
of any of his fellow Plebes. Those who have graduated at the 
Military Academy are fully sensible of the trials they had to 
endure during their first year's course as 4th Classmen, of the 
many abuses they received from the hands of the upper Class- 
men and the humiliations they were subjected to from them, too 
numerous and ])ainful here to mention. How instead of the 
kind and hospitable treatment one would naturally expect stran- 
gers to receive, who have just left home with all its comforts 
and loved ones, they have met from the hands of these upper 
Classmen a course of treatment one would be ashamed to show 
the veriest cur and told to consider themselves as even below the 
standard of the vilest and lowest of the brute creation. In fact, 
the unfeeling manner, in which the life of the poor Plebe has 
been tormented by the upper Classes, has frequently excited 
the wrath of the Nation. 

Ridicule and Sarcasm are fearful weapons to use, and in the 
hands of the unscrupulous and hard-hearted, how many a pain- 
ful dart have they not driven into the feeling hearts of those 
against whom they have been mercilessly hurled! Many a 
brave man has been able to bear almost stoically all kinds of 
suffering, mental as well as physical, and yet, when it came to 
being laughed or sneered at, his courage has given away, 
and he has become an abject tool in the hands of his cruel 
tormentors. 

What then must have been the feelings of the refined, gentle- 
manly and pious Julius on his entrance and during his first 
year's sojourn. And yet how true was he to his God and to 
himself, how well did he give evidence of his beautiful character 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 51 

and disposition) when by his ever gentlemanly and Christian 
deportment, his quiet and unostentatious performance of his 
religious duties, he compelled all these young men, of all four 
Classes, not only to respect and love him dearly but also to re- 
spect that holy Religion, of which he was such a bright example 
and lived up to so truly ! It is to be borne in mind that Cath- 
olicity was not then so well known in this Country. It had a 
hard and bitter persecution to meet with. In the opinion of 
the Protestants it ranked with Pagan superstitions and its adhe- 
rents were looked upon as worshippers of images, as slaves to 
their priests. 

There was nothing of the mean sycophant or braggadocio 
about Julius. He was at all times; not now alone, but during 
the whole course of his life, ready to defend the weak or timid 
as well as stand bravely up in the defense of his Duty and his 
God. He had the true sense of the chivalrous knij^ht, ever 
ready and ever willing to serve first his God and next his law- 
ful superiors in a manly and honorable manner. During his 
course at West Point as well as afterwards in the Army, he was 
always deeply conscientious and pious, and never for a single 
moment hesitated to perform the duties which his Religion 
taught him nor fail to comply with the rightful commands 
which his lawful superiors, in their capacity as such, gave him. 
His was not a nature to disobcv, save when he felt his con- 
science would not sanction obedience. Then no power on earth 
could have induced him to obey; for as he was too good and 
brave to do a mean or dishonorable action, he was also too grand 
and noble to follow the unjust or dishonorable behests of an- 
other. His was the true chivalry, " without fear and without 
reproach." 

Though possessed of and so thoroughly imbued with religious 
and lofty manly principles, and being too of rather a reserved 
nature, still he loved innocent play, and was always foremost in 
all games of foot- ball and other sports, yet never allowing the 
enthusiasm of youth to carry him beyond the bounds of propriety 
and good feeling. He would never bicker or quarrel with his 
companions as is unfortunately the case with most boys. If he 
ever felt himself to be in the wrong he would most cheerfully 



52 BIOGRAPHY OF 

give U]), and too in such a manly and straightforward manner 
that his opponent only folt the more ashamed of his own per- 
verse and disagreeable conduct. 

Even to the present day his memory is green in the liearts of 
those who knew him then, and who recall with delight, though 
tinged with sadness, his pleasant and thoughtful smile, his 
graceful and slender figure, his manly looking countenance, and 
his characteristically polite and winning manners. 

Even as a boy he was always the true Christian gentleman, 
never forgetting the true and noble attributes a man should pos- 
sess, never deriding or scorning those Nvho were his inferiors, 
either by natural birth in point of society or by the disadvantage 
of only mediocre talents. On the contrary, he was at all times 
ready to help such when a helping hand was needed and after- 
wards entleavor to forget the good offices he had just performed. 
Always thoroughly unselfish and humble he would perform his 
good deeds in private, not wishing the M'orld to know of them. 

There was a current report at the time that he was the only 
Catholic Cadet in those days to whom was accorded two or three 
days Leave to attend to his Easter duties, and this proves the 
respect he was held in by the Faculty of the Academy. 

On his furlough in 1838 lie rejoined his family in "Wilming- 
ton. One morning he Avent out gunning, and on his return 
went up to his room and, having bathed, dressed himself in his 
white cadet fatigue uniform and then strolled out into the yard. 
There he found his brothers Frederick and Ferdinand intently 
watching Alexander who had his (Julius') powder flask, and was 
drawing powder from it, and then throwing it on some live coals 
in front of him. Julius watched the proceeding for some little 
time and then remarking, " Let me show you how to do that," 
took the flask and, whilst his brothers all clustered around, curi- 
ous to see what he was going to do, held back the spring (it was 
a copper flask) and standing immediately over the coals poured 
the contents on them in a steady stream. In an instant there 
was a vivid flash, followed by a loud report, and the flask ex- 
ploded in his hand. One of his little fingers was cut nearly off, 
merely hanging by a shred. A piece of the flask, about one inch 
square, entered on the inside of his forearm, about two or three 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 53 

inches above the wrist, and ploughing througli the arm length- 
wise came out again. He was also cut about the legs, and his 
clothes caught fire. Strange to say, not one of his brotiiers, 
though standing so close, were touched! He stood still for a 
moment, then rushed into the cellar, Frederick and Ferdinand 
following. Alexander, fearing the Constable, fled hastily up stairs 
to the third story, where he hid under a bed. The servants seeing 
Julius on fire, covered with blood and begrimmed with pow^der, 
were dreadfully scared and ran pell mell into the street. 

Fortunately it was wash-day, and Julius' brothers threw the 
water from the tubs over him and soon quenched the fire. A 
crowd collected and he was taken over to a Physician's office, 
immediately opj)osite. Though he suffered the most intense pain, 
like a true soldier, he bravely bore up under it and permitted 
the physician to doctor his wounds, without betraying any of the 
agonizing pain he was enduring. He would not even allow his 
mother to be informed of his accident until the worst was over, 
60 thoughtful was he for her maternal heart. It was not long 
before he fully recovered, and, as every one remarked, he had 
had a most miraculous escape. 

On October 15, 1840, the Fall of Julius' last year's sojourn at 
West Point, owing to his ability in French, he was api)ointed by 
the Academic Board as Acting Assistant Professor of that lan- 
guage and retained this important position until relieved on 
January 6, 1841. Though he might well have had reason to 
feel proud and even vain-glorious in being accorded such a dis- 
tinguishing honor, as positions of this kind were held only by 
graduates, not by tlie cadets — even though, like himself, they 
should always have led their class in this study; yet in his 
humility of heart he felt only a deep sense of gratitude to those 
who had thus honored him and a fervent determination to per- 
form faithfully his duties, so that they should have no occasion 
to regret their choice. 

He passed through his four years' course with the highest dis- 
tinction, ranking among the first of his class and winning an 
enviable place on the Rolls of the Academy. He graduated 
with high honors July 1, 1841, and was assigned to the Artillery 
Arm of the service. 



54 BIOGRAPHY OF 

He wonkl have fjradnated witli liighcr honor, even anions; tlie 
" stars," as tlic ranking five of the class are called, but for 
sickness. 

Some time before he was taken very ill and suffered most in- 
tensely with what was supposed to be an aneurism on his throat. 
In consequence he was compelled to become an inmate of the 
cadet hospital. On May 22, 1841, being granted a leave of 
absence on Surgeon's certificate for one month, he visited his 
relatives, Baron Kcating's family in Philadelphia, for the pur- 
pose of undergoing expert medical treatment. He was in the 
last stage of despondency, because he had been told that this 
affection of his throat would surely end his life. He was put 
under the care of Dr. Jackson, then one of the leading Phv- 
sicians of Philadelphia, who pronounced his to be a case of 
goitre. Under his careful and experienced treatment Julius 
recovered. During his convalescence and whilst still weak and 
forced to lie down most of the time, he contrived to keep apace 
with his class in all their studies, and, when cured and able to 
return to the Point, he astonished all his Professors with his 
brilliant examinations. 

Upon receiving his diploma he was appointed a Second Lieu- 
tenant in the 4th Artillery and assigned to company K of that 
Regiment. His Class, which had started with a very large 
number for those days, numbering very nearly a hundred mem- 
bers, had considerably diminished in its four years' course, owing 
to various causes, so that upon its graduation it numbered only 
fifty-two, staunch and \vell tried however and fitted to receive 
the shoulder straps they so richly merited. JNIany of these 
young men afterwards served with great distinction in the 
Mexican ^yar and won hijjh rank and distino-uished honor in 
the opposing Federal and Confederate Armies during that ter- 
rible War of the Rebellion of 1861-65, in which our hero so 
gallantly laid down his life, an offering for his country's welfare. 

A singular thing occurs about this Class. It appears from 
well authenticated testimony that more of its members were 
killed in the Mexican and Indian Wars and great conflict of the 
Rebellion than of any Class in the history of the Academy. 

To use the words of another concerning Julius : — 



LIEUT. COL^ JULIUS P. GARESCIIE. 55 

'"The young soldier loved his profession, and took into it a loyal and 
determined will to uphold the honor of his flag whenever assailed, and 
defend his country with his life against every foe that dared to threaten it. 
His was not the boastfulness of a theatrical chivalry, his purpose was 
vrithout mental reservation, his aims were born of tlie higliest and noblest 
aspirations, and his principles were those of the sternest integrity." 

I shall now give the remarks of some of Julius' Professors, 
Classmates and others who knew hiai at AYest Point. 

Remarks of Professor Henry L. Kendrick, U.S.A., one of the 
Professors of the Military Academy then, and until lately, when 
he was placed on the Retired List: — 

" I was well acquainted with him while he was a Cadet at the Military 
Academy and now, as I am writing, his calm, intelligent and thoughtful 
face rises before me, carrying me away back to him and his classmates. 
"With these I know he was ever a justly marked favorite — loved for his 
mildness, respected for his high abilities and honored for iiis abiding chris- 
tian consistency and manliness. In all these sentiments the Academic 
Board concurred. 

" It was not my fortune to meet him after his graduation. Our ser- 
vices were in different geographical departments, generally widely sepa- 
rated. 

"His Class, that of 1841, was a distinguished one, numbering among 
its members Generals Tower, Wright, Whipple, Lyon, Love, Hamilton, 
Reynolds, Buell, tlie two Jones', and the two Garnetts — names which, 
with his, are now well known in military annals. AVith these I have 
often met since those West Point days and with one accord they give him 
a centi-al place in their warmest remembrances, and as one whose after 
life fully justified their early and kind predictions. He was a hard student 
and by the display of the highest military virtues won an enviable official 
reputation. As a man he went quietly about doing good. Although ar- 
dently attached to his friends yet, in sublime reliance upon Divine Provi- 
dence, from the deserving poor he never turned away. Never forcing his 
opinions upon others he was yet no time server, no sycophant. He wor- 
shipped God and duty. No one more nobly illustrated in his daily life 
St. Paul's fervid delineation of Charity. His life going upon the battle- 
field in defence of his country to Him who gave it 

'"Faithful unto Death,' 

may well be engraved upon his tombstone. Such his friends — he had no 
enemies — have described him and such the Army knows him to have been. 
Surely it is well to preserve' as well as revere his memory," 

• Remarks of Professor Wm. H. C. Bartlett, U.S.A., also a Pro- 



56 BIOGRAPHY OF 

fessor at the Military Academy then and until lately, when he 
was placed also on the Retired List of Officers of the Array : — 

" I knew him, but we were not on terms of very great intimacy, because, 
I believe, of liis as well as my own natural reserve. I may say, however, 
that he was a gentleman in every sense of that term and iiad a very high 
reputation as a good soldier and faithful public servant. He was a great 
favorite with those who knew him well." 

Remarks of General Don Carlos Buell, a classmate : — 

" At West Point his ch.aracter exhibited a delightful blending of fine 
intellectual endowments with an unpretentious deportment, and an un- 
blemished daily life Avitli the generous impulses of youth. lie was a pro- 
ficient student, not by virtue of laborious application or a desire for special 
prominence in his class, but by reason of natural aptness and a sponta- 
neous sense of the obligations which his talents and his position imposed 
upon him. As a youth and in mature manhood, his Avhole life was under 
the strictest subordination to principle. He was alike unostentatiously 
true to his religious faith and his official duties. It was not a mere obedi- 
ence to orders, or a selfish ambition, but an elevated idea of duty, that took 
him to the field of his death. At the Academy he was one of my most 
cherished friends, and afterwards he held to the last the same sacred 
relation in my esteem." 

Remarks of General F. F. Fluit, U.S.A., retired, a class- 
mate : — 

" While at the Point, although we were not particularly intimate, we 
were well acquainted with each other, and always on the best of terms. 
He was always a kind, amiable, refined, high toned, intelligent christian 
gentleman, during our Cadetship ; a noble character, beloved and respected 
by all who knew him. I do not believe he had an enemy in the Corps of 
Cadets." 

Remarks of General Z. B. Tower, U.S.A., retired, a class- 
mate: — 

"He entered the Class of 1837, one of the largest that had been ad- 
mitted there for many years, at the age of sixteen years, and though of 
lithe form was taller than many of his age. I recollect him as active and 
quick of movement, with a taste common to the young for those sports 
permitted at West Point as a healthful exercise and as an indulgence to 
the restless and impulsive activities of growing life. In point of fact, 
however, there is but little leisure in Cadet life for those games, into which 
University Students enter witii so much eanicstncss. In common with his 
associates, he was forced to look to Artillery, Infantry and Cavalry drills 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 57 

for physical exercise, rather than to Athletic Sports, a system of econo- 
mizing time by practical military instruction between Study hours which 
seems to have produced as well developed and hardy types of manhood as 
game exercise at Colleges. To many the course of training, both physical 
and mental, would seem rather rigid and perhaps deficient in recreation 
hours. Yet this high standard of requirement excludes only the feeble 
and laggard. The Class to which he belonged, originally so large, had but 
fifty-two members when it was graduated : yet a small number only had 
succumbed to acute disease or failed from bodily infirmities. His Cadet 
life, as I recollect it, was free from constitutional ailment or induced dis- 
ease. Though attaining to a good height, his form was not robust in ap- 
pearance ; yet he seemed to thrive under the severities, so called, of West 
Point discipline, fulfilling all soldierly duties during summer and winter 
equally well with the most rugged cadets, probably to the ultimate benefit 
of his physique, certainly without detriment thereto, as was shown by 
his twenty-one years of service in the Army, alternately at the extreme 
Northern and Southern limits of our National domain. 

"As a Cadet Garesche impressed me as being reserved, and indisposed 
to assume the initiative in conversation. It is possible that near-sighted- 
ness made him appear more reserved than he really was. His manner 
was quiet, rather than forward, with those whom he knew but slightly, 
yet he was genial and communicative in the society of his intimate friends. 
I do not think, at least during the earlier part of his cadet life, that he 
formed acquaintances or intimacies readily. General acquaintance at 
West Point usually extends through Classes, but intimate friendships are 
confined within much smaller circles. So far as I can recollect, he was 
generally liked by his class-mates for his many good qualities. With a 
warm heart and kindly nature his impulses could not be otherwise than 
good and generous. His quiet unobtrusive manners so opposite to the 
aggressive and self asserting did not fail to attract the notice and appre- 
ciation of those with whom he came into contact. Though retiring in his 
deportment, due in part to a sensitive nature, perhaps in some degree to 
early training, he was never lacking in manly independence. From what- 
ever source derived, unselfish ways and unassuming manners combined 
with manliness will win esteem and friendship. I heard no word of criti- 
cism in connection with his name during his service in the Army and I 
am sure no cadet could have been found at the Military Academy while he 
was a member of the Corps who would speak otherwise than well of him. 
He had good friends in the Corps of Cadets and passed his allotted time 
there apparently as pleasantly and satisfactorily as the rigid requirements 
of the Institution would permit. 

"After the lapse of so many years, it is not easy to recall, with much 
of detail, Cadet Garesch6's intellectual characteristics. My impression, 
however, is that his turn of mind was somewhat reflective for one so 
young, which, in connection with his usual reticent manner, gave him at 



58 BIOGRAPHY OF 

times the appearance of absent-mindedness, so called. ITe possessed nice 
sensibilities, those finer traits of mental ori^anization, which play so im- 
portant a part in the perception and appreciation of the beautiful and 
appropriate in all thini^s. Ilis tastes seemed scholarly rather than scien- 
tific, and I think his early education had been more classical than mathe- 
matical. A small number only of cadets admitted to the U. S. Military 
Academy, have a pronounced taste and capacity for the pursuit of science 
in its higher brandies. ]Many students however of fair ability, fail from 
lack of persistent application. lie was not open to that charge. He com- 
prehended at once, in common with the better class of students, that the 
course of studies at West Point cannot be mastered Ijut by unintermittont 
mental e.xertion, that it is so linked together, in all its parts, that no step 
in the progress can be omitted with impunity. Though somewhat literary 
in his tastes, he had the ability and determination to surmount all difficul- 
ties in the higher branches of the course of studies and to reach a very 
high position in his class, of which he was the youngest member, with 
three exceptions, lie was a student of good habits. In fact no cadet, 
whatever his abilities, could have maintained so high a position without 
persistent application. Ilis sense of duty would have made him a faithful 
student, had not his tastes led him in that direction. He was doubtless 
prompted by a laudable ambition to excel, as well as by the desire to 
attain a thorough education, perhaps the most effectual stimulant to per- 
severing effort. Mental and physical development and discipline, under 
stringent guidance, is the prominent purpose of the Military Academy 
course of instruction ; and Class standing as a result of competition, with 
rigid semi-annual examinations, helps largely to maintain it, and to pre- 
vent retrograde movement in the standard of requirement. 

" lie subsequently served at many different Posts, and on various duties. 
About one half of his service, while a Lieutenant of Artillery, was per- 
formed in the frontier garrisons of our South West Territory. His selec- 
tion at the age of twenty-six years as Acting Assistant Adjutant General 
of the Rio Grande District during the Mexican War, indicated that his 
fitness for that high order of Staff duty, was recognized and appreciated 
by his commander in the field. He was afterwards, in 1855, promoted to 
a full Captaincy in the Adjutant General's Department of the Army, for 
which his literary turn of mind, and his scholarly attainments, with his 
long service with troops in the field and in garrison, eminently qualified 
him and he proved an excellent bureau Officer. 

" I recollect his kindness in coming to see me when I was lying wounded 
in Willard's Hotel, Washington City, so severely wounded that many of 
my friends thought my i-ecovery doubtful. He also remained during the 
night when my condition needed night watchers. Little did I then antici- 
pate that I could outlive him. 

" I shall always remember him as one of my most esteemed Class-mates, 
as a genrtcman of high tone, and as a conscientious officer, fulfilling all 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 59 

his duties creditably, wherever placed. Tenacious of the rii!;ht, just in all 
tilings, able in his profession, his career in private as in public life, illus- 
trated the best qualities of a most worthy man, and true-hearted Soldier. 
He fell too young for his own advancement, and liis country's needs; too 
soon for those who valued him as a friend ; alas ! all too soon for those to 
whom he was as dear as life itself." 

Before leavino; West Point and clescriblnn; Julius tliereafter, 
I take pleasure in inserting the accompanying copy of a Manu- 
script of his evidently written during his cadetship: — 

"It is midnight; the book which I had been reading I have just laid 
down, unable any longer to distinguish its characters by the few, feeble 
and glimmering rays afforded by my expiring lamp. I am alone in my 
solitary room. The occasional foot fall upon the stairs, Avhich for more 
than an hour after Taps continued to wake the hollow echoes of the old 
building, has long since ceased to make itself heard. Not a soul, save 
myself, in all this vast Barrack but is plunged in deep forgetfulness of his 
cares. Not a sound falls upon my straining ear, but all around, above, 
beneath, there reigns deep and unbroken silence. The very winds are 
hushed, and as I look out upon the landscape below, not a leaf do I see 
stirring on the tall trees, which, motionless and still, raise themselves, like 
giant spectres above the surrounding s-hade. How beautiful is every thing 
that I see — the noble river on Avhose silvery surface not a ripple is to be 
seen — the broad plain with its bare and melancholy look, yon dark gray 
liouses, so dimly seen amid the gloom which enwraps them, and those 
lofty hills which seem to sleep in their placid beauty ! Above how lovely 
seems the clear blue vault of Heaven ! Not a cloud breaks in upon its 
sweet uniformity, save one, which white and fleecy, hangs over the summit 
of old Fort Putnam, as if to shield its venerable ruins from the cold, damp 
dew, which is rapidly forming on every other object of hill and plain. 
And the bright stars are looking out, shedding a soft and tempered light 
over all the scene. How holy and how calm they seem ! — Beautiful yet 
mysterious things! A thousand wild imaginations in turn possess me, as 
I gaze upon them ; sometimes I fixncy them the eyes of God, so mildly 
bent upon me, and a holy awe steals over me and my very breath is held 
as I continue to gaze. Again I wonder what they are — Can it be true that 
that pale, melancholy star is in reality a brilliant sun, exceeding our own 
a million times in size and splendor ; the nucleus of a system in compari- 
son of which even ours is mean and insignificant? I must even believe 
it. Yet, sweet star, I would rather see thee, as I see thee now, the beau- 
tiful centre o^ixfcw tremulous rays, than imagine thee in all this dazzling 
glory. But hark! I hear a rich and solemn sound breaking upon the 
silence of the night. Slowly it floats along; the mountains too have heard 
it and lend their echoes and now all are richly blending into one full and 



60 BIOGRAPHY OF 

sweHinfi; harmony with which the air is filled — a while it lingers in the 
valley, as if loth to leave the silent scene, and then slowly mounts into 
the pure heaven to which alone such harmony belongs — ; fainter and 
fainter it becomes, and now I hear it not, although my car is still thrilling 
with its dying note and would fain persuade me that it is not gone. Would 
that I could hear it again ! And yet after all it was only the foundry bell 
striking the mid hour of night and would in tiie day-time have been deemed 
harsh and unmelodious. Oh Night, how hallowing are thy inQuences ! How 
potent and yet how sweet the charm thou exertest over all things I Hours 
could I stand here gazing upon and wondering at thy beauties and yet 
still find something new to admire in thee, something, wiiich had escaped 
me before, often as I have looked upon thee, blessed Night!"' 

Upon receiving their Diplomas, the graduating Class, as was 
customary, were allowed a furlough of three months, and Julius 
left West Point to spend his vacation with his relatives in Phil- 
adelphia and Wilmington and with his family, then living in 
St. Louis, where they had been settled since 1839. His friends 
and acquaintances among Professors and Cadets all bade him a 
tender farewell, Avishing him every success and yet loth to part 
with one whom they had each and all learned to revere and love. 
The very soldiers, barbers, porters and others who had any thing 
to do with the Academy, were sorry to see him depart, and many 
of,them felt a lump rise in their throat, and the unbidden tear 
would steal down their honest and roughened visages, as he 
kindly told each and all of them good-bye; for he had always 
treated them with such uniform kindness and gentlemanly polite- 
ness. If any of my readers doubt the truth of my words let 
them visit the Military Academy and ask any of the old soldiers 
and servants, who were there in his time, if they recollect " Cadet 
Garesche," and their kindling eyes and eloquent tongues will 
soon proclaim their ready remembrance. As J. Howard Payne 
said so truthfully "Be it ever so humble, there is no place like 
Home," I can also safely assert that be those we love ever so far 
away, let it happen that we never again see them on this earth ; 
still \ve cannot forget them, their image has interwoven itself 
too closely around our hearts to bear being rudely torn away. 
Years may come and go, our very lots may change owing to the 
various vicissitudes of life, sorrow aye deep, deep sorrow may be 
our portion, we may visit other climes and make other friends : 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 61 

but our recollections of those we once truly loved will always 
remain, and the ruthless hand of Time, the Destroyer, will only 
strengthen the links of those hallowed chains. How therefore 
could those, to whom Julius now bade adieu, forget his kindly 
and genial manners, forget the young Officer who as Cadet had 
left such a lasting impression ! 

Many, very many years afterwards, one of the most noted 
chargers used in the Riding School by the First Class, a very 
beautiful and spirited animal, full of fire, and as such greatly 
sought after by the cadets, who considered it an honor to ride 
him in the exercises of the Riding School, was called "Garesch^," 
in respect to the memory of Julius. And it truly seemed as if 
the fiery animal knew after whom he had been named and 
appreciated the fact, to judge from his ever proud and gallant 
bearing. 



G2 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER V. 

Julius joins his family in St. Louis — narrow escapes from imminent death — 
joins his Company and military history therewith — receives degree of 
A. M. from Georgetown College — his letter to Alexander descriptive of 
the Provincial Council in Baltimore — receiving Holy Communion 
monthly in full uniform — chastising an insulting civilian — detailed on 
Eecruiting Service — promoted First Lieutenant — departure for the Mex- 
ican War — remarks of Col. Joseph Stewart — important and flattering 
positions assigned to during the War and afterwards — noble conduct about 
duel an insulting officer tried to force on him — departure for St. Louis on 
Leave — Ketreat at Florissant to determine whether or not he should cm- 
brace the Religious life — meeting with Mariquitta — his personal appear- 
ance — description of Mariquitta — their marriage. 

In the summer of 1841 Julius joined his family at St. Louis, 
and once more had the pleasure of approaching the Sacraments. 
Strange to say ! he who had always been so exemplary in his 
whole conduct, and was afterwards so regular in his religious 
duties, had not been to Communion for a long time, owing to a 
scruple suggested by one of his cousins. The three, Bauduy, 
Willie,* and himself were very intimate, and devotedly attached 
to one another, and one day Willie suggested that he had 
found a diffii;idty in going to Communion, since he could not 
be sure that he would refuse a challenge in case he received 
one. This scruple, for the first time presented to them, soon 
took possession of the other two, and, in spite of the remonstrances 
of the women of the family, they refused for a long time to go 
to Confession, saying there was no use, as they could not bind 
themselves. Willie by the advice of his jMother,f subsequently 

* Wm. V. Keating, grandson of Baron John de Keating, and now a dis- 
tinguished physician of Philadelphia, Pa. His sister Amelia married Peter 
Bauduy, Julius' maternal Uncle, and some years subsequent to Peter's 
death entered the Carmelite Convent of Baltimore, of which she was for a 
long time Superior. She there died a most edifying death, in July 1886. 

■j- Lalite Keating, only daughter of Baron Joiin de Keating, married to 
her Cousin and early left a widow, entered the Visitation Order in 1844, and 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 63 

Motlier Maiy Josepli of the Visitation, consulted Fatlicr Barbe- 
lin of St. Joseph's Church, Philadelphia, and had his difficulty 
removed. The others, not so fortunate, experienced theirs for 
sometime: and now when Julius approached the Sacraments, 
after taking a week or more to fully prepare himself, he did it 
in such a devout and humble manner as greatly impressed his 
younger brothers, who could not but admire his perfect Faith 
and his conscientious care in self examination. 

It was also during this visit to his family that he for the first 
time, as he afterwards assured his brother Frederick, began to 
entertain the presentiment that he would eventually die a sudden 
death. It appears that his father owned about three or four 
thousand acres at the junction of the Missouri and Mississippi 
rivers, and a difficulty having occurred between himself and 
some parties who had leased from him a right to cut wood on the 
land, it became advisable to put an armed party on the premises, 
to secure his rights until the Courts could decide the issue. 
Julius, his brother Alexander, and Suitowski (a Pole) formed 
the party. In looking out for a camping ground they discov- 
ered a log cabin near the banks of the Missouri. At the mo- 
ment of their discovery a wood-chopper appeared, and being 
asked whether they could occupy the cabin he answered "cer- 
tainly, as it had been abandoned, for fear it would fall into the 
River." Being asked further whether there were any danger of. 
•its thus falling within the next two or three days (for the Mis- 
souri was a treacherous and at times a turbulent stream and was 
considered to be often very dangerous, because it was constantly 
undermining its banks and carrying away large tracts of land) 
he replied in a positive manner, "Oh, no! not for two or three 
weeks, and possibly not for this Season." Accordingly without 
a misgiving Julius and his party took possession. During the 
night Alexander dreamed several times of thunder. He awoke, 

was for a long time Directress of its Academy in Frederick, Md., and subse- 
quently held the same position in Georgetown, D. C, Avhere she died in 
1873, after a most edifying life, and mourned by all who had known her. 
She took the name in Religion of Mary Joseph and was known as Mother 
Mary Joseph. She was one of Julius' favorite Aunts, and of all her 
nephews he was the one to whom she was most attached. 



64 BIOGRAPHY OF 

and, as he did so, the sound of thunder continued. He arose 
and went outside and looked all around, but could not see even 
the sign of a cloud — only a beautiful sky spangled with stars 
met his gaze. At this moment the sound was renewed, and he 
thereupon discovered that the thunder was nothing more nor less 
than the crash of falling earth — that the space in front of their 
cabin, which, when they retired, was from fifteen to twenty feet 
in width, had almost disappeared. Running hastily back he 
awoke Julius and called his attention to the matter. Together 
they Avent out and Julius stretched himself on the ground, listen- 
ing intently. Then suddenly springing up he cried out: ''step 
back as you value your life, for we are standinrj on only a shell,^' 
and at the same moment spraug back himself. They were not a 
moment too soon in heeding his warning, for they had hardly 
sprung back when the ground whereon they had just been stand- 
ing gave away with a heavy crash and tumbled with a thundering 
sound into the dark and roaring River beneath leaving the cabin 
partly hanging over the raging waters, and carrying away that 
part within the cabin where their camp equipage of kettles etc., 
was placed. Snitowski imprisoned within could not have escaped, 
for there were but two openings to the cabin — the door and win- 
dow — and both now looked out upon the raging River. But 
Alexander climbed up the outside projections of the logs and 
pushing aside the weather pole (a pole that is substituted for nails 
to fasten down the clap boards, which are themselves a substitute 
for shingles) and the clap boards assisted him out. 

Julius and Alexander considered their escape as most miracu- 
lous. Pent up within the cabin it would have been utterly im- 
possible to climb out, for the weather pole would have prevented, 
and it would have been exceedingly dangerous to jump into the 
River. It would have been a sheer plunge of at least twenty to 
twenty-five feet into a seething, rushing, treacherous stream. 
Before they could have risen to the surface of the water they 
would have been hurled into the chevaux-de-frise formed by the 
newly fallen trees and drowned. And even if they escaped this 
danger, it would have been a swim of miles to cross to the opjio- 
site bank, because the River had overlapped its regular width of 
one and a half to two miles, and they would certainly have per- 



LIEVT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 65 

ished in its swift, impetuous current. They gave most fervent 
thanks to God for their preservation, and attributed their narrow 
escape to the special intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for 
whom they had always borne a special devotion, instilled into 
their iiearts by their good mother. 

Julius' second warning of death, as he subsequently informed 
his brother Frederick, came as follows. Many years afterwards, 
in 1852, he was walking from Louisville, Ky., to visit the country 
home of his cousins, the Bernoudys, not far off. It was a dark 
night. Suddenly he heard the sound of an approaching train, 
and being near-sighted and slightly deaf, was for a moment be- 
wildered. He knew a railroad had been built there since his 
last visit, but the darkness prevented his seeing its precise loca- 
tion. At a loss what to do, whether to go forward or back, his 
perplexity increasing as the sounds came nearer and nearer, he 
at last made a dash for the bank, which he saw dimly outlined 
against the sky, and immediately a train of cars rushed over the 
very spot he had left, almost grazing him in its passage. He 
mentioned this incident to his brother, saying he was convinced 
that he would ultimately die a sudden death. It was a calmly 
expressed conviction, and they did not discuss it. 

On the 1st of October following, 1841, per Orders received 
from the Adjutant General's Office in Washington City, Julius 
joined his Company at Madison Barracks, Sacket's Harbor, 
N. Y., and now entered upon his new and important duties. 
As a cadet he had been merely a learner ; as an officer, he was 
now to put into practice those lessons he had learned, and 
learned so well. Thoroughly devoted to his profession and a 
rigid observer of all its requirements, when the order came, 
proclaiming that his graduating vacation was over and that he 
must at once repair to the Company to which he had been as- 
signed, he lost no time in obeying its mandates ; but, tearing 
himself away from his beloved family, relatives and friends, he 
hastened to Madison Barracks to report to his Commanding 
Officer. This Post, situated on the northern boundary of New 
York State, on the banks of Lake Ontario, was deemed a very 
important one, owing to its close proximity to the Canadian Ter- 
ritory, and was in consequence strongly garrisoned. About this 

6 



66 BIOGRAPHY OF 

time the Canada Border Disturbances were going on. It was 
not long before Julius made many and warm friends here, both 
among officers and soldiers. The former wer.e quick to appre- 
ciate his military talents, his quiet but perfect performance of his 
duties, and his many noble and high toned qualities of heart as 
well as mind ; whilst the latter quickly perceived that the glit- 
tering outward symbols of the officer contained the heart of a 
true man, one always ready to listen kindly and patiently to 
their petitions and to redress their wrongs if in his power. He 
soon won the respect and love of all who served under him ; 
for, though a great disciplinarian, he was yet no martinet. Al- 
ways just and true in his dealings with others, he expected the 
same of them. He had no desire to impose on others, neither 
would he permit imposition on himself. Even now, as through- 
out the remainder of his life, he faithfully complied m ith all his 
religious obligations, never allowing human opinion, selfish or 
other motives to prevent his following all the dictates that his 
religion commanded. 

He served with his Company, (Co. K, 4th Artillery) at Madi- 
son Barracks until June 25^ 1842, when it was ordered to Fort 
Columbus, N. Y., where it arrived on the 30th and remained 
till July 6. Then it proceeded to Fort Monroe, Va., arriving 
there on the 11th of July and remaining till the l5th of No- 
vember, when it was ordered to Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md., 
arriving at this Post on the ICth November, 1842. Julius re- 
mained here until June 10, 1813. Then, having obtained per- 
mission, he went on Leave until October 9, 1843, when he re- 
turned to his Company and remained on duty with it at Fort 
McHenry up to July 3, 1844, when he again went on Leave, 
returning to his Company September 3, 1844, and remaining on 
duty with it thereafter at Fort McHenry till November 4, 1844. 
He then proceeded with his Company to Carlisle Barracks, Pa., 
arriving the following day and remaining on duty there till Sep- 
tember 22, 1845, when he returned with his Company to Fort 
McHenry, Md., arriving the ensuing day and remaining till 
May 28, 1846. 

In 1842, he received the degree of A. M. (Master of Arts) 
from Georgetown College, D. C. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 67 

In a private letter to his brother Alexander he gives the fol- 
lowing very beautifnl description of the opening of the Sixth 
Provincial Council in Baltimore on the 20th of May, 1846. 

*' L.ist Sunday, the day on which the Council was opened, was truly one 
of the most memorable of my life. When I saw that long train of the 
holy priests of God sweep up the Cathedral aisle, and dwelt upon the 
countenances of these men, of chaste hearts and mortified passions, as 
with firm step and eyes somewhat proudly raised, as they slowly marched 
along, I felt some envy for the heroic constancy which had enabled them 
to consecrate themselves to God, and thus make one long living sacrifice 
of their whole lives ! It was a heavenly spectacle and well might a Cath- 
olic feel proud of it. 

"The Cathedral was absolutely crammed, there must have been in it at 
least 2,500 persons, of whom a great many were Protestants. The choir 
was in full force and never sang better, but with all my love of music, I 
could listen to nothing so long as that procession was moving. You can- 
not imagine any thing more gorgeous — so many beautiful little acolytes, 
looking like as many little cherubs, so many seminarians, so many priests 
robed in rich vestments of all hues and colors, and then those venerable 
bishops — how I wish, my dear friend, you could have been there! And 
yet all this, great and beautiful as it was, was but a small part of what I 
enjoyed that day; the crowning glory of all, and never was there a richer 
crown, was Bishop Purcell's sermon. I had heard him once before, when 
I was your guest in St. Louis, but that was so long since that I remem- 
bered neither his features nor his voice. AVhen he commenced I could not 
help thinking to myself with a feeling of sincere disappointment, ' this 
man is undoubtedly a good preacher, but sui'ely on such a glorious occa- 
sion, there needed an eloquent one. AVhat an oversight! What will 
Pi'otestants think of our clergy, when such a man is put forth to preach 
on a day like this !' Another thought which passed through my mind 
was : ' it is related of some of the great orators, to be sure, that in the 
commencement of their discourse their voice was harsh, and their ideas 
flowed sluggishly, and it was only as they warmed with their subject, 
that the power and the eloquence that were within them, were displayed. 
But I am afraid that nolhing is to be hoped for here!' The sequel proved 
how greatly I was mistaken, for before I knew it, I was hnnging on every 
word that fell from his lips, listening with the most eager and rivetted 
attention, enraptured, enchained by him! Never have I heard such lan- 
guage, such clear and lucid argument, such musical emphasis and intona- 
tion, accompanied at the same time by such graceful gestures! He is 
truly an orator ; and I cannot imagine that there is his equal in the coun- 
try. Once the thought struck me that God must have inspired this man, 
for I never could have conceived, that one could be so eloquent and yet so 
logical ; so fluent and yet pursue his subject with so much method and 



68 BIOGRAPHY OF 

re<:;ularity ! lie began by saying that there were three links in the chain 
Avhich connected God with man, these things only Avas it requisite to learn 
in order to arrive at a Knowledge of the true religion. The first was, ia 
there a God ; the second, has God spoken ; and the third, what has lie 
spoken? Upon this foundation he built his argument, and in a two hours 
discourse completely covered the whole ground he had assumed, and 
proved most fully and conclusively that the Catholic Church is tlie true 
and only Church of God. Nothing did he leave unsaid — to such a com- 
pendious argument, so convincing a proof you have never listened. As 

M. our friend, observed, Avhen he had wound up one of his arguments, 

one could not help saying, ' "Well now you had better stop, as it is impos- 
sible to add another word to what you have said, you might spoil all by 
going on,' and yet scai'ccly had you formed the thought, Avhen he would 
produce another link, which you saw at once had yet been wanting to the 
chain and would proceed to rivet it in the same masterly unanswerable 
style." 

AVhilst stationed at Fort McHenry, Mel., Julius used to go 
every month to Holy Communion in full uniform. He did not 
do so for mere show, nor to parade his uniform or rank. He 
■was too humble in his ideas to do so through any vanity. He 
did it simply, because he thought that he gave thereby greater 
honor and glory to God. 

About this period of his life the following incident occurred. 
I have already spoken of the scruple that for a time restrained 
him from frequenting the sacraments, because he fancied that on 
occasion he might not be able to withstand the temptation to 
send or accept a challenge to the duello. When on duty at 
Fort McHenry an unfortunate affair, in which -he was concerned, 
nearly led to such a trial. There was, as usual, some jealousy 
between the young civilians of Baltimore and the junior Officers 
of the garrison in their social relations. One evening Julius, 
with one or two of his brother Officers, had been to some enter- 
tainment and was standing for a short while in the rotunda of 
Barnum's Hotel, when a young civilian, very much under the 
influence of liquor, tried to force him into a quarrel. His con- 
duct at last became so very aggressive and insulting that Julius, 
Avho had till then returned no amswer, drew back and struck him 
a blow that sent him staggering back. At once the by-standers 
interfered and Julius' friends led him away to his quarters. 
Every attempt was made to induce Julius to apologize, but he 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. G9 

stubbornly refused, though he knew that according to the ideas 
of the times he was almost sure to receive a challenge. How- 
ever, though he made no apology, the challenge never came. It 
cannot be doubted that if sent Julius would have refused it; for 
later, during the Mexican War, when thus tried, he proved him- 
self so true to the teachings of his Church. 

He was detailed on Eecruiting Service at Elkton, Md., till 
May 31 ; at Lynchburg, Va., till July 25 ; and at Lewisburg, 
Va., till October 14, 184G, when he was ordered to join his 
Company to take part in the Mexican War, then in hot opera- 
tion. Whilst on Recruiting Service he was for a short time 
temporarily transferred from Co. K to Co. E, same Regiment. 
He was promoted by law First Lieutenant June 18, 1846. He 
proceeded to the distant scene of War, where he served on "Gen- 
eral Taylor's line of operations. Disembarking at Brazos Island, 
Tex., November 3, he left there on the 5th and camped opposite 
Quarita, Mexico. Left there by steamer for Tampico, Mex., 
landing on the 23rd of November. On the 23rd of December, 
he proceeded with his Company to Caraargo, Mex., arriving on 
the 31st of the same month. 

When it became evident that a war with Mexico was inevita- 
ble, the officers of the Regular army were naturally anxious to 
be selected for active service and pressed their claims. Now, in 
such matters. Catholics are, and must be, rigid in principle. 
They can not volunteer in a doubtful, still less in an unjust 
war; though, when they already belong to the army, or are by 
lawful act of government called to arms, they may and must 
obey the call, unless they positively know the cause to be unjust. 
Julius was attached to his profession, was keenly sensitive to 
any imputation on his honor, was reasonably ambitious of dis- 
tinction, and was conscious of his abilities; yet, believing that 
the war was at least of doubtful justice and forced upon a weak 
and inferior State, he felt that he could not in conscience volun- 
teer. He, therefore, did not press his claims, thus making for 
the sake of principle a great, an heroic self-sacrifice. When he 
arrived at Caniargo, Mex., the tide of battle had rolled back to 
tlie interior and beyond some passing alarms from guerilla bands 
he saw nothing of the War. 



70 BIOGRAPHY OF 

He was stationed with liis Company at Camargo till Jnly 21, 
1847, when he was detailed on special duty with Col. Wm. G. 
Belkna]), who became a warm friend and manifested the greatest 
esteem for him, at Headquarters Army of Occupation to Nov. 
13, 18-47, when he rejoined his Com]>any at Camargo. Part of 
the time, viz., from July 21 to Sept. 25, he was attached to Com- 
pany I of his Regiment, the 4th Artillery, at Pt. Isabel, Texas. 
He was thereafter detailed in charge of the escort, which was to 
protect the supply train from Camargo to jSIonterey, Mexico. 
After the performance of this duty he returned and served with 
his Company at Camargo. 

Herewith I insert a letter of Col. Jos. Stewart U.S.A., retired, 
regarding Julius. 

"WcAvcre cadets together for three years, and in 1843 Ave served to- 
gether at Fort Mcllenry, and then again in Mexico. He was a most up- 
right and conscientious man, courteous and considerate to every one, rather 
reserved, but with considerable latent humor, Avhich was occasionally be- 
trayed by a quiet smile at a good thing or a humorous renmrk made in his 
quiet manner. No one could be in his company long without being im- 
pressed with the perfect purity of his character. lie was always very 
deliberate in his gait and actions, yet as a boy but few could enter more 
heartily in a game of football than he. I do not think he ever had an 
enemy in the world. The fact of any one feeling enmity towards him 
would have stamped such a one as a bad man. 

"In 1847 he was stationed at Camargo whilst I was in Monterey. lie 
came to ^Monterey on a visit and I tried to make his visit as pleasant as 
possible. I told some friends — a ^lexican family that I visited — that I 
would be glad if they would allow me to bring Www to call on them. Mex- 
icans are very particular about introductions. They told me certainly — 
that they would be glad to see any of my friends. I then told them that 
whilst he was a most estimable young gentleman there was one objection 
to him that many would regard as most serious — that I thought nothing of 
it myself and that I hoped tiiey would overlook it. I saw that they felt 
uneasy and they asked what it was. I told them that he was a very de- 
vout Catholic. They were greatly relieved, saw the joke and said it 
certainly was a most serious objection, but that for my sake they would 
overlook it. 

"Ilis piety was of the truest but most unobtrusive kind, but it was as 
palpable as any feature of his Aice. The most careless could see that any 
indelicacy of language in his presence would be grossly improper." 

Julius was detailed as Acting Assistant Adjutant General to 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 71 

Col. "Wm. Davenport, 1st Infantry, Commanding the District 
of the Eio Grande, Headquarters at Brazos, Tex., and served in 
that important position from July 12, 1848 till October 18, 1848, 
giving the utmost satisfaction to Col. Davenport, as evidenced in 
his Orders, No. 21, in which he pays a high compliment to Julius' 
readiness and ability. 

On November 16, 1848, he went North on Leave, and joined 
his family in St. Louis. 

It was at this period of Julius' life, during his service in the 
Mexican War, that his former scruple about the duello was to 
be tested, and he was to come forth from the trying ordeal glo- 
riously triumphant. A yotuig Officer of Virginia Volunteers 
had died and been buried at the post (where Julius was then 
stationed), and liis friends applied to Major H, the Commanding 
Officer, for permission to disinter the remains and send them 
home. The permission was granted, the hour named, and sol- 
diers were in attendance to do the work. Major H, Julius, and 
one or two more of the Regular Army Officers were present, as 
a mark of courtesy. The yolunteer Officers were late, and the 
Major at last gave orders to commence, without waiting for their 
arrival. Scarcely had they done so before the tardy ones ap- 
proached, but their loud conversation and the tones of their 
voices showed that they had sat rather too long at the table. 
One of their number, whom I shall call A, said rather boister- 
ously that he himself would dig up poor B, the deceased. But 
he soon proved that he was not in a fit state to do the work, for 
he had hardly taken the spade from the hands of the private 
than he stumbled and fell. Major H thereupon signed to the 
man to resume his work, and the friends of A tried to induce 
him to withdraw. But their effijrts were fruitless, for with an 
oath A flung them oif and endeavored to wrest the tool from the 
soldier. In so doing he again stumbled and fell prone in the 
already open grave. At this unbecoming conduct Major H 
indignantly ordered them " to remove that drunken fellow." 
Julius and his brother Officer were standing near, and, though 
pained and shocked, Julius had neither interfered nor spoken, 
but now he whispered aside to his companion, as though in ex- 
cuse, " the poor fellow has been drinking too much." After a 



72 BIOGRAPHY OF 

few minutes, during which the Volunteers were taliving in low 
but decided tones to themselves, in a group apart, one of them 
advanced towards Julius, and, in a respectful tone, said, " Mr. A 
would like to speak with you." Thinking that some excuse or 
explanation was about to be made, for which he was chosen as 
intermediary, Julius at once walked over to the spot. To his 
astonishment, however, A in an angry voice asked him, "did 
you say that I was a drunken fellow?" Julius was about to 
answea' No, but recollecting the remark he had made to his 
brother Officer, and, in his scrupulous regard for truth, not 
wishing to give the categorical denial, which indeed he could 

liave done, replied, "I did make some such remark but " 

"Well sir," said A, interrupting him, "you are a liar." 

Julius was indignant and righteously, but, knowing that he was 
mistaken for Major H and that A in his present state was not 
prepared to hear reason, bowed and withdrew. He felt certain 
that under the circumstances a gentleman, and such he sujjposed 
A to be, on learning of his mistake after he had become sobered, 
would hasten to retract the insult. He accordingly kept his 
room the next day as much as jiossible, in readiness for the re- 
traction or apology which he expected and which was his due. 
When the long hours passed and none came he became very 
much worried and wrought up to a most painful degree. He 
had never had an occasion to show iiis courao;e on the field of 
battle, he had not volunteered in the War, he was a Regular 
Army Officer and a graduate of West Point, and the one who 
liad insulted him was a Volunteer, what therefore would be 
thought of him? His brother Officers had always loved and 
respected him, would they continue to do so, with their notions 
of honor? Many would, he knew, but would there not be 
many who would send him to Coventry and make life unbear- 
able? Long and long did he pace his room in an agony of 
mental strife. On the one hand all his better feelings pointed 
out the heinous crime towards God's justice and mercy he would 
be guilty of if he fought; on the other the Tempter showed all 
the j)oignant disgrace he would bring on himself, all the ignominy 
and scorn he would receive should he not. False honor said 
"fight;" conscience rebuking "thou may not." "Fight or re- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 73 

sign" said Honor; "Bear your cross" said Conscience. Pos- 
sessed of a naturally hasty and passionate temper the struggle 
was the more severe. Few were there who kuew of the fearful 
volcano of passion which sometimes raged in his breast, but 
which his manly, noble and true Christian spirit would never 
allow to break forth, nor to obtain the least sway over his will. 
All that day he struggled and waited, but no message came, no 
one came near him, so that he knew not how his conduct was 
regarded. He passed a sleepless and wretched night, no one but 
God knowing his inward agony of feeling. By morning he had 
come to a resolve. He would go to A's quarters and insist on 
an explanation and retraction. " He surely cannot refuse it, but 
should he do so, well then circumstances must decide ! He de- 
serves to be horsewhipped, but I will not fight a duel! Self 
defence, that is another thing." Major H met him as he was 
going on his errand, and seeing by his features and whole 
bearing what was in his mind stopped him. "Where are you 
going ?" " That, allow me to say, is my affair." " No, Garesche, 
it is mine also. You are going to have it out with A. Now the 
insult was to me and through you only by mistake. It is my 
duty to take it up, not yours, and I will not permit you." " But 
I will have to resign." " No, Garesche, you are a Catholic, and 
you know that you can not consistently do this thing. No one 
expects it of you, they all know your principles, and should you 
persist in your present intention I would have to order you under 
arrest." 

Julius thereupon retired to his quarters and all his brother 
Officers learning of his mental trouble and doubts, in the fra- 
ternal spirit and delicacy of feeling that characterizes the gentle- 
men of the Army, and with a spontaneity of feeling that did 
them justice, made it their duty and pleasure to drop in by twos 
and threes, and without alluding to the difficulty set his mind at 
rest by showing him that to them his conduct needed no explana- 
tion, his character no adventitious support. 

Some time subsequently, a convoy of wounded came to the 
post and the commander asked Julius if he could kindly make 
room for a young Volunteer Officer, who was just recovering 
from a severe wound and needed only rest and recreation. 



74 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius readily assented and cheerfully shared his quarters with 
the wounded man, tending him with the greatest kindness and 
as though he were his own brother. Tlie young gentleman, who 
belonged to the same regiment as A, was grateful and became 
quite intimate with him. One day, apologizing for alluding to 
the subject, he said, " I wish you, Mr. Garesche, to know that 
the unfortunate incident was discussed among us, and, though 
we follow another code, tliere was but one sentiment and that was, 
that you had acted rightly and A shamefully. JNIoreover, he was 
a coward, and I have proved it; for though he acknowledges 
the code duello, and belongs to a noted fighting family, I pub- 
licly insulted him on one occasion and he dared not take it up." 

Julius now fulfilled a promise he had made some years pre- 
viously to his brother Frederick. When the latter, in 1845, 
had determined to embrace the religious life, he had some cor- 
respondence with Julius in regard to it. In a letter that Julius 
wrote to him occurred this expression: "1 wish that I had the 
courage to take the same step." Acting upon this text Fred- 
erick, with a neophyte's Jieadlong zeal, spoke, urging him to 
make a Retreat under the direction of a member of the Society 
(Society of Jesus.) Julius had some conversation on the subject 
at the time with his spiritual director who did not recognize in 
him the signs of an undoubted religious vocation. The step 
was therefore deferred, but a promise was passed that at the first 
convenient time he would make an eight days Retreat. This 
promise was now recalled to him. Accordingly, soon after his 
arrival in St. Louis, lie went out to Florissant, some eighteen 
miles nortlnvest from the city and the Novitiate of the Western 
Province of the Society of Jesus, and there, under the pious 
instruction of Father Gleizal, S. J., a most saintly priest, made 
a Retreat, resolved to enter the religious life should God call 
him. His assiduity and military punctuality at every one of 
the numerous exercises were the marvel and edification of the 
Fathers of the Colleece. At the end, instead of resiirninjr his 
commission and entering the Com|)any of Jesus, a step which 
his friends thought would be urged upon him by the zealous 
Father who gave him the exercises, Julius arrived at the calm 
decision that he should not only continue iu the Army but even 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 75 

enter the state of matrimony. In these Retreats it is forbidden 
to tlie director to influence the subject in his choice, he must 
merely aid his reason and judgment in coming to a decision by 
himself. Julius' decision was fully approved by his director. 
And he then returned to his mother's house, and, announcing 
the result, asked her, after the French custom in such matters, 
to select for him a wife. 

Accordino: to habit long established in France and its Colo- 
nies marriages were always arranged and brought about by the 
parents of the contracting parties. To them was left the right 
of arbitration in such matters and hence marriage was more 
often de convenance than of love; there were always certain set- 
tlements necessary to be made before the ceremony could take 
place ; certain financial matters etc., that had to be attended to. 
Frequently marriages Avere arranged when the subjects were 
babes in the cradle. It did not follow, however, that such 
unions were productive of unhappiness. 

Julius, like his brothers, had the highest esteem and love for 
his good mother, even more so perhaps, and he thought that her 
selection Avould be all that he could desire for a partner in life. 
He was not mistaken, for her choice even exceeded his anticipa- 
tions, and the fair young French girl he was soon to meet was 
in every respect worthy of him, worthy of becoming his partner 
for life, the sharer of his joys and the partaker of his sorrows. 

In those days St. Louis was mainly French in its character- 
istics and inhabitants, who retained many of their customs and 
manners, and, being closely drawn together by the ties of nation- 
ality, mingled together a great deal. The French are proverbi- 
ally a gay, happy and vivacious race, fond of entertaining their 
friends and enjoying themselves and making those around them 
feel happy and contented, and it is not to be wondered at that 
at this epoch St. Louis should be the scene of many a pleasant 
gathering, many a happy meeting. 

Julius' mother some few months previously had made the 
acquaintance of the family of Monsieur Edward de Coudroy 
de Laureal, a French emigre from the Island of Guadeloupe, 
West Indies, and soon became very much attached to his eldest 
daughter, Mariquitta, a charming and very beautiful girl. She 



76 BIOGRAPHY OF 

frequently invited her as well as her next younger sister, Nancy, 
to her house, and manifested great interest in these young Cre- 
oles. Her own eldest daughter, Mary, was but a few years 
younger than Mariquitta. Mrs. Garesche was very anxious that 
Julius should meet her young favorite, for slie knew no young 
girl she would rather see him marry, and wc may rest assured 
that she was not sorry that the occasion now presented itself of 
seeing her fondest and wildest aspirations realized. 

She had frequently spoken to Mariquitta of him in the most 
glowing terms, so much so as to excite Mariquitta's curiosity, 
who naturally felt a great desire to meet this wonderful young 
man, of whom she had so often heard but never seeing had com- 
menced to look upon as a mythical personage. 

'Twas on the last evening of the Old Year when her curiosity 
was gratified and his Mother's dream realized. Mrs. Garesche 
had been lately a little indisposed and Mariquitta called with 
her sister Nancy to inquire after her health. They were ushered 
into the dindy lit library where to their astonishment they beheld 
her earnestly engaged in- conversation with a tall, handsome 
young man clad in military dress. Mrs. Garesche at once rose 
and coming eagerly forward proudly introduced her long looked 
for son. Lieutenant Garesche of the Army. The sisters were 
immediately struck with his fine looking appearance, polished 
manners and gentlemanly deportment as well as by the truly filial 
devotion he so tenderly and beautifully showed his beloved 
mother. Soon after this Mariquitta and her father accepted an 
invitation to dine with her. Julius was charmed with Mari- 
quitta'^ manner, modesty and whole bearing even more than by 
her fair grace of form and movement. 

She had been carefully educated under the watchful eye of a 
mother, superior in mind as in piety to most ladies of her society, 
and that of a father, of known piety, whose culture and accom- 
plishments were the admiration of the graduate of West Point. 

Julius was then a tall, handsome young man of twenty-seven 
years; erect and military, yet easy and graceful in his carriage; 
and possessed of an easy and elegant flow of language added to 
most charming and winning manners. Though naturally re- 
served, never pushing himself forward, there were few whose 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 77 

conversational powers equalled his own. His inind was rich 
and highly cultivated ; his views broad and enlightened, sound 
and practical, yet free from all bigotry, all uncharitableness. 
His enunciation was clear and distinct, his voice sweet and melo- 
dious. His deep set gray eyes, covered with bushy eyebrows, 
though very near-sighted, were beautiful and full of expression ; 
his nose was large but well formed ; his mouth small, well 
shaped and filled with two rows of pearly white regular teeth ; a 
glossy black and silken moustache ciowned his upper lip; (in 
those days officers of the army were not allowed to wear beards, 
simply moustaches and goatees) ; and his high and broad white 
forehead surmounted by a mass of dark black hair crowned his 
toute-ensemble. 

Owing to his extreme near-sightedness his face generally wore 
a solemn look, but in conversation this solemnity disappeared. 

Before mentioning his love to Mariquitta he first asked her 
father's consent, knowing this to be the French custom, and, 
receiving a most favorable answer, then proposed and was 
accepted. 

It was Marlquitta's first winter in Society. Exceedingly 
beautiful, of a gay and happy disposition, and highly gifted in 
mind and heart as well as in personal attractions, she was receiv- 
ing a great deal of attention and was eagerly sought after by the 
young gentlemen of St. Louis. Warmly attached to her own 
family, she did not feel that same almost idolizing love for Julius 
as he from the very first felt for her and which remained the 
same through all his after life, even to the moment of his death. 
His was intense and absorbing love from the very beginning; 
hers love that increased only after marriage. And then it be- 
came more and more ardent until it, too, amounted almost to 
idolatry. Her children can best testify to her loyalty and 
devoted attachment to his memorv as her Parents and his 
brothers can to the beauty and devotedness of her married life. 
Pious and every way exemplary in her own conduct she was a 
fitting consort for the pious officer. Neither had ever to regret 
the step and their marriage tie formed a bond of union that even 
Death could not break. Their courtship was of short duration. 
Scarcely six weeks elapsed between their first acquaintance and 



78 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the nuptial ceremony in the ohl St. Louis Cathedral, celebrated 
by Bishop, now Archbishop, Kenrick. On the 19th of Febru- 
ary, 1849, the tall, manly, handsome soldier clasped hands and 
joined souls with the lovely fair being, who stood by his side 
like a flower bending on its slender stalk. 

Before proceeding farther I will give a brief outline of her 
family. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCUE. 79 



CHAPTER VI. 

Family of De Coudroy de Laureal — Mariquitta's parents — herself. 

The family of De Coudroy de Laureal, an old Catholic one, 
though living in the Island of Guadeloupe, West Indies, since 
the latter part of the Sev^enteenth Century, belonged to a very 
ancient and noble race from Aix in Provence, France. 

The first of the name who appears as living in Guadeloupe, 
and the progenitor of that branch of the family, Avas Armand 
de Coudroy, who came into that colony about 1690 with his wife, 
noble like himself and formerly a Demoiselle de Lamotte. The 
family continued always to hold a distinguished position among 
the nobles of this Island, which, like other French colonies, con- 
tained cadets as well as elder sons of the old noblesse of France. 
Many of the members of the family, as also their connections, 
were conspicuous in the annals of French history for their 
courage, daring and wisdom as military and naval commanders, 
as also for their statesmanship as magistrates and piety as Re- 
ligious, and lastly for great and even remarkable beauty of face 
and figure. Catholic and royalist in their sentiments, when the 
French Revolution broke out they espoused the cause of the 
Bourbons and suffered for their loyalty. 

Of Armand's two sons, Armand, the elder, died young and 
without ever marrying. Jean Charles de Coudroy, the younger, 
' was Knight of the royal and military order of Saint Louis, and 
Lieut. Colonel Commandant of the Quartier du Moule, Guade- 
loupe. He married in 1732 Demoiselle Dorothee Victoire 
Boyvin, also of an old and noble race, located for a long time 
in the Colony. Of his five children by this marriage the eldest, 
Marie Victoire de Coudroy, was married in 1754 to Jean Bap- 
tiste Papin-Dupont, descended from a noble family of Brittany. 
Their grandson, L6on Papin-Dupont, who died at Tours, France, 
March 18, 1876, aged 79 years, was surnamed, in consequence 
of his great piety and sanctity of life, " The Holy Man of Tours." 



80 BIOGRAPHY OF 

The tliird cliiltl ^nd second son, Nicolas Leon de Coudroy was 
given on the death of his father the surname of " De Laureal," 
and was thus called Nicolas Leon de Coudroy de Laureal. He 
married in 1761 Demoiselle Marie Madeleine de Bruny de Cha- 
teaubrun, of an ancient and noble family, originally from the 
South of France.* She was a woman possessed of most ex- 
quisite beauty and, too, of such a rare type and perfection, not 
only of face but also of figure, as to command universal homage, 
and was regarded as one of the greatest beauties of her day. 
She was first cousin to the Bailly de Suffren, a celebrated French 
Admiral, who, when quite young, joined the order of the Knights 
of Malta and afterwards engaged in the French Navy, where he 
distinguished himself by his courage and superior ability. Their 
children Avere eight in number. Her husband held the eminent 
"])osition of Commandant of the Militia of St. Anne; of St. Fran- 
cis ; and of the Moule. She died during the emigration to St. 
Christopher in 1799, and he at St. Anne, Guadeloupe, in 1787. 
They were common grandparents to Mariquitta's parents, who 
were thus first cousins, their fathers being sons of this couple. 
Of these eight children, I shall only make mention of two, as 
they are so intimately connected with Mariquitta's own imme- 
diate family, being respectively the fathers of her own parents. 

Nicolas David Remy de Coudroy de Laureal, the fifth child, 
was born at Moule, Guadeloupe, on the 23rd of December 1773. 

* Her father, Bruny de Chateaubrun, was an Italian nobleman who came 
to reside in Provence, France, where he purchased of the family of Mira- 
heau, the dominion and castle of La Tour de I'Aigle. About the year 1700 
he went over tt) Guadeloupe and there espoused Demoiselle Marie Lecointe. 

Her younger sister married the Sieur de Yilliers, the oldest of three 
brothers, the youngest of whom married Demoiselle do Varicuurt, whose 
brother, called "Le Beau Varicourt," was massacred at the palace of Ver- 
sailles in 1789, while defending the door of Marie Antoinette's room against 
the assassins come to strangle her. His head was carried by these ruffians to 
a hair-dreiser of St. Cloud, who was compelled by them to curl and powder 
the hair, after which it was borne on the end of a lance by the ruffianly 
escort to the Koyal family alongside the very windows of the carriage that 
bore them as prisoners to the Tuillerics. 

One of the ladies of the Varicourt family, the Marchioness de Villette, 
was several times mentioned in Voltaire's verses under the title of '' La 
Belle et Bonne," 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. gl 

When quite young he was sent to France to be educated, and 
received his course of instruction at the College of Pont-levoy, 
after which he entered as a cadet into the royal navy serving 
under his relative, the Admiral de La Jaille. When the Revo- 
lution broke out, though still very young, following the ex- 
ample of his elder brothers, L6on and Jean Baj)tiste, he entered 
the Army of the Princes, serving with it until its dissolution 
when he went over to England and pursued the same fortune as 
his brother, Jean Baptiste, and like him received the commission 
of Major in one of the newly created regiments of negroes in the 
English Antilles. When by the peace of Amiens these regiments 
or troops' were disbanded, he remained at Trinidad, his last raili-. 
tary stopping place, and there married in 1800 Demoiselle Nancy 
de la Peyrouse, niece of the celebrated French navigator,* Count 
Jean Francis Galoup de la Peyrouse, of an ancient family of 
Provence. In 1818 he went over to France and there bought 
the beautiful estate and castle of Limours near Paris. He was 
for many years the Mayor of the Commune of Limours, but in 
1830 handed in his resignation, not caring to hold office under 
any other but his legitimate King. He died at his property of 
Limours at the age of QQ, and his body rests in the cemetery of 
that ])arish, surrounded by the loving remains of his M'ife and 
four of his daughters. Of his eight children, Leon and David 
died at an early age; Adele married in France in 1825 Adolphe 
de Belmont, of an old and noble family; Marie Madeleine Oc- 
tavie, born in the United States, in the State of Rhode Island, 
in 1809, during a hunting visit of her father, was married to 
her first cousin, Edward de Coudroy de Laureal : Louis, born at 
Trinidad in 1812, was educated at the military school of St. Cyr 
and served for many years with his regiment, the First Zouaves, 
with great distinction in Algeria, under General Bourbahi. He 
was wounded at the capture of Abd-El-Kader's Smalah and 
afterwards distinguished himself at the storming of Laghouat, 
and with just enough strength left from a cureless attack of chol- 

* Joan Francis Galoup de la Peyrouse, born of a noble family at Albi, 
France, in 1741, died in 1788. Entering the Naval service at an early age 
he served under Count d'Estaing in the American War of Independence 
and commanded the ship '• I'Amazone" ut the siege of Savannah, Ga. 

6 



82 BIOGRAPHY OF 

era dragged himself as far as the Crimea where he fell mortally 
wounded at the battle of the Alma, while most gallantly leading 
on his men to the assault of the Telegraph tower. The cross of 
honor, which he had richly merited at Laghouat — for he and his 
Zouaves, with General Yusuf, are said to have been, really, the 
first who penetrated into the town, — together with the announce- 
ment of his promotion to be Major, were soon on their way from 
France to him; — but long before they could reach the Crimea, 
he was dead. A headstone was placed in the cemetery of Limours 
near his parents and sisters bearing the date of his death, the 17th 
of September 1854. Antoinette and Celeste entered the Convent 
of St. Clotilde in Paris as Religious, and after a holy and devout 
life lie interred in the family burying ground at Limours, where 
also reposes their youngest sister, L^ontine. 

Going back to the children of Nicolas Leon de Coudi'oy de 
Laureal and Marie Madeleine de Bruny de Chateaubrun I shall 
take up and speak of the sixth in age, Charles Evremond de 
Coudroy de Laureal, born at Moule, Guadeloupe, in 1783. He 
■was not sent to France to be educated like his brothers, on ac- 
count of the Revolution. He fled with his mother to the An- 
tigues on the occasion of the uprising of the negroes in Guade- 
loupe: and entered, at the age of fifteen, the regiment of which 
his brother David was Major and served with it for many years. 
Upon his return to Guadeloupe he married in 1805 Demoiselle 
Marie Charlotte de Rochebrune, belono^ing to an ancient and 
noble family of the Limousin, France. He was appointed by 
the Governor of Guadeloupe Commandant of the Quartier du 
Moule, and afterwards Mayor of the Quartier, when in 1830 it 
was transformed into a Coinmune. The political events of 1848 
decided him to repair with his family to the United States, where 
he died at Limours, in the jiarish of Carondelet, Mo., on the 18th 
of February 1852. He had six children : Edward, Mary, Celia, 
Angele, Alexis, and Amelia. 

Edward, the eldest, born in Guadeloupe in 1808, was educated 
in France, after which he studied law and was admitted to 
practice, but never made use of his profession. He was married 
on the 12th of October, 1829, to his beautiful first cousin, Marie 
Madeleine Octavie de Coudroy de Laureal, at her father's castle 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 83 

of Limours near Paris. From this marriage there sprung seven 
children, viz : Mariquitta, Nancy, Madeleine, Octavie, Marie, 
Adele and Joseph. The year following he returned with his 
young wife to Guadeloupe and established a commercial house 
with his first cousin, Jean Baptiste de Coudroy de Laureal. 
The partnership continued for four years, after which Edward 
continued the business alone until 1848, when owing to financial 
reverses and the troubles then taking place in France he settled 
his affairs and with but scanty means came over to the United 
States and settled at first in St. Louis, Mo., and afterwards on a 
small property, which he bought in the vicinity, some ten miles 
south from St. Louis and four from Carondelet, Mo., and which, 
in respect to his wife, he called " Limours", after her father's 
castle. Though formerly in affluent circumstances and owning 
a handsome plantation in Guadeloupe, his family had by various 
mishaps and the unexpected disasters of 1848 lost the greater 
part of their possessions, so that when he came to the United 
States he had comparatively but little fortune. 

A man of fine intellect, he possessed in addition to other ac- 
complishments great talent as an artist, and several of his paint- 
ings ornament the walls of the little Catholic church in Caron- 
delet, Mo., his present home for many years. Aristocratic by 
birth and lineage, he and his wife possessed -all the polish and 
courtesy of the old French school and inherited the great and 
wonderful beauty of their grandmother, Marie Madeleine de 
Bruny de Chateaubrun, which legacy they in part transmitted 
to Mariquitta and several of her sisters. Pious and exemplary 
Catholics themselves, they endeavored to rear their children also 
in the fear and love of God, and spared no pains in giving them 
a finished and complete education.* 



* Of their children, Nancy, born in Guadeloupe, in 1832, was married in 
1852 in St. Louis to Robert A. Balcewell, Esq. : Madeleine, born at the cas- 
tle of Limours, France, in 1835, was married to Dr. N. L. Hornsby of Caron- 
delet, Mo., and died in 1873 leaving a large family of children: Octavie, 
born in Guadeloupe in 1837, married Mr. Ilodolphe Dcsbonnes of St. Louis 
in 1865 and died two years subsequently, leaving an only child : Marie, born 
at Versailles, France, in 1842, was married to Jno. F. Slevin, Esq., of St. 
Louis, in 1861, and died in 1873, leaving live children: Adele, born at 



84 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Marlquitta, (Marie Louise Charlotte) their eldest child, was 
born at Guadeloupe, July 6, 1830, on the De Laureal planta- 
tion, belonging to her paternal grandfather. She made two 
voyages with her Parents to France ; and on the occasion of her 
second voyage made her First Communion at the Convent of St. 
Clotilde in Paris, where two of her mother's sisters, Antoinette 
and Celeste, were at the time Religious. 

Good, modest and pious as a child, Mariquitta retained these 
characteristics throughout her whole life. An excellent dau";h- 
ter, she became a devoted wife and mother. Carefully educated 
and possessed of a fine mind, she was proficient in all her studies. 
Her manners were as winning and agreeable as her face was 
sweet and beautiful. A charming and brilliant conversationalist, 
she was always the centre of an admiring circle. 

Guadeloupe in 1844, married in 1875 her brother-in-law, Dr, N. L. Hornsby : 
Joseph died when a baby. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 85 



CHAPTER yil. 

Departure of Julius with Mariquitta for his post in Texas — their early 
married life there — his appointment as A. A. Quartermaster and A. Com- 
missary of Subsistence of the Post — Mariquitta's return to the homestead 
of Limours — scourge of the Asiatic Cholera and Julius' tender devotion 
to the afflicted. 

On the 3rd of the following May Julius set out with his 
beautiful fair bride for his distant station in Texas. A long and 
wearisome journey down the Mississippi River and thence across 
the Gulf of Mexico brought them to his post, Point Isabel. 

It was a happy trip for him and he felt not the discomforts 
attendant thereon. It was unalloyed bliss to be alone with the 
being he loved so tenderly and so devotedly. He could in the 
nobleness of his heart appreciate her sorrow at leaving her family 
from whom she had never as yet been parted, and far from feel- 
ing jealous or discontented thereby he but strove the more by 
every possible and delicate attention to soften the sting of sepa- 
ration ; to make her sensible that henceforth his great love would 
be for her not husband alone but also father, mother and sisters, 
all in all, a sanctuary to which she could always have recourse 
to in grief as well as in joy; a love around which her own 
affectionate heart could gradually twine its tender tendrils till 
merging into his it would become irrevocably bound up in it, 
never to be destroyed even by the fell hand of Death. 

Shortly after rejoining his Company at Point Isabel, he was 
appointed Acting Assistant Quartermaster and Acting Commis- 
sary of Subsistence of the Post. These extra duties though 
flattering, were exceedingly burdensome and added to his neces- 
sary duties with his Company gave him but little rest and occa- 
sioned great fatigue; still he never murmured but complied to 
the letter with all their requirements. 

In the Fall Mariquitta's health ffiiled to such a degree as in- 



86 BIOGRAPHY OF 

diieed him, painfully as he felt the separation, to send her back 
to her Parents, and she returned to the homestead of Limours. 

The following letters describe their life up to the time of her 
departure and delineate her growing and intensifying affection 
for him, 

Mariquitta to her Parents, 
" Dear, dear Parents, 

" It is just the hour I parted from you yesterday for perhaps an indefi- 
nite time. My heart is rent at the thought of our last Adieus, and I 
offer to God all my grief that He may soften yours, and give you complete 
rest of mind and body. If any thing could dissipate the bitterness of my 
thoughts, it is certainly the proofs of affection that jni/ Jules has given me 
from the moment of our separation. I feel deeply grateful to him, and I 
love him with all my heart. But can I ever forget you, my dear Parents 1 
The recollection of your tender love and of all that you have done for me 
will never leave me! Oh I no, I feel that even now the thought of you 
will always be present to my mind, and that my most ardent desire will 
be to find myself once more among you. As I was telling Jules this 
morning I would give any thing on earth to possess the gift of seeing and 
knowing every thing that happens to you each hour of the day. 

" I fear that the long drive j'ou were compelled to make on leaving me 
must have tired you exceedingly, especially my little Sisters: but I so 
particularly recommended you to God at that moment, and I suffered so 
much that I hope my prayers and the offering of my grief have been 
granted through the motive that I had. my dear, very dear Parents, 
how can I ever console myself for our separation ! I feel my courage 
sinking when I think that every moment takes me farther and farther 
from you. 

"AYe are at Memphis since three o'clock this morning, and I fear that 
we will start before I have time to tell you all that my heart would say. 
I shall be very happy if in your first letter you can inform me that Papa's 
cold has left him, that he is less tormented by his business affairs, and 
that he hopes to terminate them successfully. You have both suffered so 
much this last year that I sincerely hope your trials are ended and your 
happy days are about to recommence. You know how unhappy I should 
be if I thought you were not happy. 

" Yesterday I said the office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for you all. 
I shall say it every day for your intention. My next letter will be for my 
dear little Sisters. I close this one, but should the steamboat remain here 
a great while I shall continue it. 

"Adieu, dear Papa, dear Mamma, I embrace you both Avith all the 
affection of my heart as likewise my Sisters and little Brother. Jules 
also embraces you very affectionately. 

"Your loving daughter, 

"Mariquitta." 



LIEDT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 87 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Point Isabel, May 19th, 1849. 
"Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" Three months ago to-day I pronounced the terrible Yes which forces 
me now to be so far from you. On the 19th of February at this hour I 
was desolate and overwhelmed with grief. I had not as yet started for the 
church but I had already received your blessing, and 1 felt, my beloved 
Parents, that in this blessing you told me good-bye and confided me to 
God ; because only He can now console and help me to bear the cruel pains 
which our separation causes me. I wish no longer to speak of this, for I 
am not understood ; I concentrate in myself all my affections for you. I 
know that you are praying for nie; for I feel strong and altogether re- 
signed. I will draw from prayer, from correspondence, and from study 
the necessary helps to accept Point Isabel with patience, and I can there be 
almost happy when I shall know you are at your ease and in good health. 
Dear, dear Parents, if my loneliness and deep sorrow could count in 
heaven and gain for you the happiness which I so ardently desire; if you 
could enjoy all the happiness, which, without cessation, I beg of God, I 
could endure all, even our separation. I would saj' to myself, they are 
happy, and I would be consoled. 

"We are since the day of our arrival at Captain Hunt's. He and his 
wife are very kind to me, but I cannot get accustomed to their table. 
Bread is not known in this house •, it is replaced by a species of cake 
which I like beyond measure, but the first mouthful of which made me 
sick. When I am keeping house I can procure for almost nothing dif- 
ferent things from the West Indies, such as crabs, crawfish, little fish, good 
lemons, and even melons. I wish to become a gastronomist, to enjoy 
occupying myself in the kitchen, and above all never to be idle, otherwise 
melancholy would rapidly gain on me. Nevertheless, yesterday I was gay 
and I hope frequently to be so when I receive good news from you. 

"How is dear little Joseph, is he commencing to cut his teeth? Dear 
little child ! how delighted I would be to fondle and pet him as also Dole,* 
and Marie! Speak to them frequently of me, for it would be too cruel 
if on ray return they should no longer know me. 

"How is dearf Mrs. Nidelet, and her children? Remember me most 
affectionately to her. I will write very soon to her as also to Leonie % de 
Pombiray. I intend writing to Guadeloupe and France; for, not having 
any thing to do, letter-writing will make my time flow by agreeably. 

" I wish to do nothing, my own darling mother, without consulting you, 
and although a great distance separates us, yet by the medium of the pen 
you may still continue your advice and guidance; I long to become pious 
in order to become brave and strong. 

* Pet name of her youngest sister, Adele. 
f A friend of the family living in St. Louis. 
X A cousin of Mariquitta. 



88 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"I do not yet know when we may be able to take possession of our 
lionie, Ave are very well pleased here, but I cannot cet accustomed to the 
table. This is the principal reason for which I desire my liome. I do 
hope it will be a lovely little home, for Catherine is an excellent servant 
and perfectly devoted to me, and so thoughtful of all my wants. Ilcr 
little boy has the appearance of beinii dreadfully spoilt, but I hope by 
training him well, to make him worth someth ng. The house of Captain 
Hunt without being pretty is agreeable and fre.sh, surrounded by latticed 
porches, I wish mine would be as convenient. You need not worry about 
sending me any tiling, dear Mamma, as Jules bought all I need in New 
Orleans, and promised should any thing be wanting to send there for it. 

''I am really ashamed of the expenses I caused you and which I could 
have easily prevented had I not been so silly with Jules, but now the day 
of childiishness is passed, I am becoming an experienced woman, and all 
my fear of my husband is entirely gone." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Mother. 

"Point Isabel, June 20th, 1S49. 
" Dear Mother, 

" I am very grateful for your two letters that caused me so much pleas- 
ure, and I thank God, who is, you say, so good to you now. We have 
been blessed, wo must acknowledge, in the two families, and we have good 
cause for thanking God that all our relatives have escaped not only the 
fire but also the cholera. 

" You did well, dear Mother, to recommend to us the devotion of this 
month, but we were in advance of your wishes and commenced from the 
first of the month. 

"We are still at Captain Hunt's and will probably remain here for three 
weeks more. They are very kind and attentive to us, but we long for our 
own little home. Catherine, although a little stubborn and tenacious of her 
own opinions, is an excellent woman and continues to give us much satisfac- 
tion. She is no doubt the best we could have had, and I thank you, dear 
Mother, daily for your choice and your thought of our bringing her. I now 
see that her little boy too will be of great assistance; he can already do 
many little things, and is of a very gentle character. Think that Captain 
Hunt pays$lo a month to a woman who does scarcely as much as Catlierine ! 

"The weather that was very stormy since our arrival, has I'eturned to 
its ordinary state, that is to say, bright heavens and afresh breeze, almost 
without interruption. 

"Mariquitta has made great improvement in English and everybody 
notices how correctly she is learning to speak it. I am in hopes that 
within four months she will speak it fluently. She will never forget you 
and she misses her dear family constantly — away from you her happiness 
will never be complete; but were it not for that I feel she would be very 
happy. She is gay, amiable, and loves me, I truly tiiink, a great deal. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 89 

It is useless for me to add that I love her with all my heart, and yet I feel 
my love increasing daily. 

" She wishes to do a mass of things for each and every one of you, and 
has already finished a pair of cuffs, or, I think more likely, a collar, besides 
three-fourths of a large handkerchief; but I will acknowledge that I would 
prefer her working for you in some other manner than by embroidering. 
It is a work which alone is sufficient to ruin her eyes, when one works, as 
she does, all day long, day after day ; but worse than all when she con- 
tinues it, moreover, at twilight, you will agree with me that she will de- 
stroy her siglit. She frequently complains of her eyes and nearly every 
day is obliged to batlie them in rum ; but as she still now and then mis- 
trusts my judgment and my remonstrances she will not believe all I tell 
her on this subject. 

" She is losing her hair in such a manner as to worry both of us. I 
gave her some oil I had made use of on niy own, which did me much good ; 
I hope it will have the same effect on hers. 

"I am much obliged to David* for his good opinion of me, and with the 
exception of a little prejudice, I can frankly say I am very fond of him. 

"Embrace my Father and Sisters tenderly for me. 

" Your very devoted Son, 

"Jules." 

Mariqniila to her Parents. 

" Point Isabel, July 1st, 1849. 

" Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" It is this evening that we are awaiting the steamboat. I shall be very 
disappointed and very disheartened if I have no letters from you. I can- 
not inform you of the exact time of the departure of our two steamboats, 
but we always hope to see one of them arrive on Sunday. Consequently, 
they leave New Orleans every Thursday. Try, I beg of you, never to miss 
one, for otherwise I shall be so anxious, so unhappy. My only happiness 
here is receiving your letters. I think all through the week that Sunday 
appears too far off, and yet when it arrives I am worked up to an anxiety, 
impossible to describe, until I have read the first few lines of j'our letters 
and see that they contain no bad news. Oh I how sad I feel far from you ! 
If I had not such a good husband, I do not know what would become of 
me; but still I do not see much of him, as he is absent all the day, his 
occupations being so numerous and he is not yet thoroughly conversant 
'with them. When my melancholy becomes too strong I lay down and go 
to sleep until he returns and awakens me. The rest of the time I work 
whilst thinking of you. 

* David de Coudroy de Laureal, a cousin of Mariquitta who had been very 
much in love with her. Julius here laughingly alludes to his love, pretend- 
ing to be jealous. 



90 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" It is true that I have all by myself made the handkerchief which I had 
taken to embroider. It is finished and well finished. I shall send it to 
Nancy or to Toto* (I have really forgotten to whom I had promised it) in 
the box which I shall dispatch to you next week. I will send by the same 
means, my good Mother, the cuffs bearing a rosebud design. It is not at 
all true that these little pieces of work are ruining my eyes. That is a 
notion of Jules', who likes to do a good deal himself. He is just now 
plunged into a meditation which evidently does not inspire him a great 
deal, for unceasingly I am compelled to awaken him to prevent his fall- 
ing off his chair. 

" I have just received your letter of the 17th of June, dear Mamma, as 
also the letter of Nancy, David, and Aunt Celeste. f I do not know why, 
but I was thinking that I would not receive any to-day. I was feeling so 
desolate in advance that to prevent myself from crying I went over to Mrs. 
Abadie'sJ to have recourse to her piano. On entering she handed me my 
letters, and without asking her to excuse me, so excited was I, I returned 
home at once. If you often think of y^our child I can assure you that she 
does not forget you and that she loves you as much as it is possible to love 
one in this world. What you tell me of Toto has caused me great pain. 
Poor sister ! Since yesterday, the idea of her sickness returns again and 
again to my mind and makes me feel very sad. Nancy's letter greatly 
affected me. I am proud of her noble heart and I hope, my dear Parents, 
that no husband will come soon to carry her away from you. Jules is 
very much touched with the manner in which you always speak of him. 
lie told me last evening that he felt more for you than he could express 
and that the idea of seeing 3'ou again frequently occupied his mind. 

" How happy I would be if we could return to St. Louis for some months ! 
I am sure that when my Jules would know you perfectly, and you would 
know him better, you would both love each other dearly. You have not 
deceived yourselves in your first judgment of him. He is indeed worthy 
of esteem and affection. Now that I know him thoroughly I would have 
great difiiculty in finding many men as good as him." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Parents. 

" Point Isabel, July '22nd, 1849. 
"Sunday is my day of rest, my dear Parents, and I avail myself of the 
pleasure of writing you a few lines of friendship and affection, for I have 
not had the opportunity for a long time to write you a word. Besides my 
ordinary occupations which give me little leisure, at the end of ever^' month 
I have a number of papers and reports to prepare to send to Washington, 
and at the end of every quarter an additional number. With the end of 

* A pet name of her sister Madeleine. 

■j- Her maternal aunt, a Religious in the Convent of St. Clotilde at Paris. 

X Wife of Dr. Abadie, the U. S. Surgeon of the Post. 



LIEVT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 9X 

July I thus had these two series of papers to prepare, and although I did 
not wait until the end of the month to commence my papers, still I was 
not able to finish them before the middle of July. 

" Thus you understand my silence and will excuse it. Yesterday was 
the first day I could take since our return from Fort Brown. 

" I was invited to a large fishing party, being promised every success Avith 
my line, as every precaution had been taken, and that I could even antici- 
pate catching turtles. I allowed myself to be tempted, after having hesi- 
tated some time, and towards nine o'clock a.m., we started, a party of 
fourteen, in two small sailing boats. The wind was strong and favorable, 
so that we arrived in a short time at the first stopping place. AVe threw 
our nets to catch turtles, and in other parts of the river threw our lines ; 
but the fish must have been cognizant of the conspiracy drawn np against 
them, for they would not even bite at the bait, and the same fate awaited 
us all day. Only one poor, miserable fish was caught ; for I do not count 
the five or six wretched catfish that were willing to catch on to our lines 
because we did not Avish them, nor did their sea companions seem more 
enthusiastic over them when we used them as bait. 

"But in spite of ill-luck we amused ourselves immensely, we had wine, 
ice, and plenty to eat; several of these gentlemen sang passably well, and 
one of them, a great friend of Mariquitta's, even brouglit his favorite 
instrument, the jaw of a horse, so we even had music. We sailed up the 
lagoon for 12 miles above Point Isabel: we had our sail cut ofi" close by 
the wind and again, after we had cut it off and replaced it by a new sail, 
the head of this new one Avas smashed and we were carried aAvay by the 
tide, even in the very last place we had stopped. It is useless to tell you 
A?ve Avere compelled to jump into the ivater, as we had already amused our- 
selves in walking in the lagoon ; but we were obliged to Avork half an hour 
as hard as possible to push our boat into deep Avater. After we succeeded 
we had just time to enter our boat Avhen we saw an immense shark very 
near us, so that altogether our day was one full of adventures but I enjoyed 
mj^self as well as I could aAvay from my dear little wife. 

" In four or five days, I think, our house will be finished, and we are de- 
lighted, for it is rather trying to live Avith strangers, especially Avhen their 
tastes and manners are different. I do not like to be dependent on others, 
for at times one is obliged to be a slave to their habits when one lives, by 
favor, in their houses. 

" Mariquitta, no doubt, has informed you of her impressions of our trip 
to Fort Brown. AVe stopped at Mrs. Chapman's, a charming woman from 
the East, Avho made quite an impression on Mariquitta, and I was very well 
satisfied. Oh ! how I Avish that some of Mariquitta's dear relatives of 
Guadeloupe could come and live with her when Ave are in our own little 
home ; for I fear a husband, no matter how much loved, can scarcely suffice 
a young girl, educated as she has been, and she needs some companions of 
her own sex. 



92 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" We had the misfortune not to hear from you last week, which nearly 
threw Mariquitta, poor little woman, into despair! I know it was not the 
fault of any of you, and I am prepared for this to happen every now and 
then; for, althouj^h you may write every week, your letters may miss the 
boats at New Orleans and tiiere will thus be a double mail the following 
week. But in order to prevent this I beg of my dear Sisters not to wait, 
as heretofore, till you are ready to write, so as to put their letters in the 
same envelope, but to write whenever they feel so disposed, and then send 
their letters immediately; because, if every week two letters or a packet 
of different letters start from your house, one will be sure always to come 
with the New Orleans boat. 

" Good-bye, I embrace you, as well as my dear Sisters, with all my heart. 

" Your affectionate son, 

"Jules." 

Mariquitta to her sister Madeleine. 

"Pt. Isabel, August 11, 1849. 
"Dear Toto, 

"From what you say of the progress you have made in English, I 
imagine that in spite of all eulogies I receive of the manner in which I 
speak this language, you are all the more proficient. 

"Jules is delighted with the idea of receiving a purse made by you all. 
My own darling husband bears you, as well as the other members of our 
family, a true and sincere affection. 

" All the charming and interesting things you tell me of dear little 
Joseph only increase my longing to see him. Dear little darling, how I 
will hug and smother him with my kisses when I return ! 

" Thank you, darling, for your wishes for my happiness ; I think it is 
secured for the rest of my life, and I permit myself to desire you to have a 
husband like my Jules, but not before five or six years. I can wish you 
nothing more advantageous to your future happiness. If you only knew 
how good he is, how he loves me, and does every thing in his power to 
render me happy ! I love hira with all my heart. 

"Jules also wished to write to you by the packet, but, as he is so dread- 
fully busy, it will be impossible. 

"Good-bye, my dear Sister, Jules and myself unite in kissing you most 

tenderly. 

" Your devoted Sister, 

" Mariquitta." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Pt. Isabel, September 10th, 1849. 
" Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" This morning I received yours of the 12th, 22nd, and 26th of August. 
On the impulse of the moment I take my pen to pour forth all the happi- 
ness they gave me. Jules was not as happy as I, for he, poor fellow, learnt 
of the death of a cousin in the East, and of the sickness of Alexander which 
preoccupies him a great deal, lie was so busy this morning that he had 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 93 

not time to read his letters till now, but indeed he is never as wildly 
anxious as I am. 

" I received this morning a long and lovely letter from Mamma* Didi, 
and an eight paged one from Davidf de Belmont, both of which I will keep 
till I reach you. When I think it is only fifteen more days before I leave 
my OAvn beloved Jules it almost breaks my heart and I ask myself again 
and again, will I ever have the courage. My husband is so good to me 
since the last three months, so attentive to all that can cause me pleasure, 
that I love him devotedly. His least indisposition sets mo almost crazy. 
If he ever became very sick I think my dread and uneasiness would set 
me ci'azy or kill me, but, thanks be to God, he is perfectly well and the 
climate of Point Isabel is very beneficial to him. He insists that with my 
pranks and gayety I throw him off his dignity and tliat he never was so 
guilty of nonsense in all his life; but I am very grateful for his taking 
part in all my childishness and sometimes we spend hours in amusing our- 
selves in a manner worthy of Dole and Joseph. Oh ! how I love my own 
darling Jules and how grateful I am that you made me marry him ! 

"For the last four days we have had dark, damp, and rainy weather, 
but this afternoon the sun is shining so gorgeously that I hope it foretells 
fine, bright, and sunny weather. I am delighted to hear that the Summer 
was 80 charming in St. Louis and hope it will be succeeded by a like Autumn 
and Winter. 

" I can see you in your little home living a quiet, gentle and loving life. 

" I despair of ever teaching Catherine to cook, she is full of conceit about 
her culinary abilities, and in spite of my instructing her again and again 
she makes no improvement. Poor Jules, if, during my absence, he is 
dependent on this girl, I fear he will starve 1 

" Your own darling daughter, 

" Mariquitta." 

In the Winter of 1849, Captain Domingues' Spy Company, 
"svhich had been mustered out of service at New Orleans, arrived 
at Point Isabel bringing with it the Asiatic Cholera in a most 
malignant form. A large portion of the inhabitants, citizens and 
soldiers, were swept away by this fearful disease. During its 
terrible visitation Julius was indefatigable in his attentions to 
the sick, visiting at all hours the Hospitals, and by his cool and 
calm bravery did much towards allaying the universal dread 
and apprehension and inspiring confidence in the minds of all. 

* Augustine Lemercier de Pombiray, married to her Parents' first cousin, 
Jean Baptistc de Coudroy de Laureal. 

f Count David de Belmont, her first cousin, and a brilliant young Artil- 
lery Officer in the French Army. 



94 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Removal of the troops to Fort Brown — remarks of an old lay Brother — 
Julius' great assistance to the Church and Mgr. Odin's testimony — forci- 
ble incident of Julius' humility of character — his letter to Mariquitta's 
mother on occasion of Octavie's First Communion — birth of Julio — 
Julius' wrongful arrest by his Commanding OflSccr — his ardent desire to 
sec his wife and little son. 

In February 1850 the troops at Point Isabel were removed 
to Fort Brown, Brownsville, Tex., and Julius repaired thither 
with his Company. 

Brownsville is situated on the left bank of the Rio Grande, 
immediately opposite the Mexican town of Matamoras, and 
about thirty-five miles from the Gulf of Mexico. During the 
Mexican War Col. Brown, commanding some of the American 
troops, constructed the fort bearing his name. Around this 
spot some French and American merchants settled down as well 
as a number of Mexican families and thus Brownsville was 
founded. In 1850 it was already a tolerably good sized town, 
containing a fair population, chiefly JNIexicans. 

The following are" Recollections of an old lay Brother who 
accompanied Father Telmon of the Oblate Fathers in 1850 
from Canada to Brownsville. 

" If Mr. Garesch6 continued his life up to the moment of his death as 
I knew it in Brownsville, I can truly say he is a Saint. When Fathers 
Tehnon, Soulerin and myself landed at Point Isabel in 1850, Mr. Garesch6 
received us with open arms and conducted us to his own quarters where 
every possible attention was shown us. Three or four days after our ar- 
rival the American Camp was transported from there to Brownsville. 
Thereupon he took us with him and conveyed us to Brownsville in his 
Government ambulance. He was so good to us, and as long as we had 
not the means of subsistence he personally provided for our wants. Mr. 
Garesch6 was such an excellent Catholic, that he served Mass every Sun- 
day, in full uniform, and never allowed a month to pass by without going 
to Communion. In a word there are few like him either in their conduct 
or in their deeds." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. Q A RES CHE. 95 

Julius greatly assisted Mgr. Odin, Bishop of Galveston, in 
building the little Catholic Church of Brownsville, it being 
erected almost entirely by his own exertions. Moreover, it was 
due to his earnest appeals that Catholic Chaplains were allowed 
in the Army. Some years afterwards Mgr. Odin recounted to 
one of Julius' relatives that he had given great edification to 
himself and ev'cry one else by his piety and regularity in his 
religious duties, and that when he would enter the Church to 
say his daily Mass he frequently found him there, kneeling in 
profound meditation before the Mass which he often serv^ed. 

The following incident forcibly illustrates Julius' touching 
humility of character. 

On a certain occasion while drilling his Company one of the 
men, whom I shall call Smith, was rather intoxicated and made 
several blunders. Julius immediately rushed up to him greatly 
excited and exclaimed " Smith, what in the devil do you mean ?" 
He had hardly spoken the words in the excitement of the mo- 
ment when he blushed like a girl at the strong language he had 
just used and repented it in his heart. AVhen the drill was over 
and the First Sergeant was about to dismiss the Company he 
stepped up and said " Wait a moment, Sergeant", and then 
walking up to Smith took off his cap and before all the men 
humbly said "Smith, I beg your pardon for having spoken as 
I did." Then replacing his cap he turned around and directed 
the First Sergeant to dismiss the men. 

Such an act of true lowliness of mind must certainly have 
found favor in the sight of God ; to humble one's self so in the 
presence of and to one's inferiors! 

The following extract from a letter of Julius' to Mariquitta's 
mother portrays his reverential love for the Adorable Sacrament 
of the Holy Eucharist. It is on the occasion of his learning of 
her younger daughter Octavie's First Communion. 

"Fort Brown, May 11th, 1850. 
"Dear Mamma, 

******* *» 

" I present you my hearty congratuLations on Octavie's First Commu- 
nion. I should have been most delighted to be present. It is always 
such a beautiful and touching ceremony to see a band of young girls ap- 



96 BIOORAPHV OF 

proaching for the first time in all the purity and innocence of their young 
age the Communion Table ; what a satisfaction to their parents and those 
interested in their -welfare !" 

On May 30ih, 1850, while on a visit to some relatives in St. 
Louis Mariqiiitta gave birth to a beautiful little boy, Julio. He 
was baptized Marie Pierre Jules Garesche. 

From June 21st to November 21st, 1850, Julius was wrong- 
fully placed in arrest by his Commanding Officer, Maj, Giles 
Porter, on frivolous and unjust grounds. Naturally indignant 
and knowing his own utter innocence he determined to lav the 
whole matter before the proper military authorities, a rightful 
privilege that the military law accords, and ask that a Court of 
Inquiry investigate the causes of his arrest. To a sensitive and 
manly nature like his it was a severe trial to be thus unjustly 
deprived of the privileges of his rank. His feelings were inten- 
sified, his suffering increased by the absence of his darling little 
wife whose dear society was daily more and more missed. Re- 
ligion alone sustained him in this trying ordeal. Plis longing 
for Mariquitta increased and became unspeakable. He wished, 
moreover, to see his little Julio, his beautiful baby; to fondle it, 
caress it, and witness its charming little ways. He had willingly 
sent Mariquitta back to her parents, owing to her sick condi- 
tion, but the separation had caused his love a severe pang. He 
had voluntarily sacrificed his own pleasure for her good, know- 
ing; she would receive better nursino: from her mother than he 
could give. And now, as always subsequently, when compelled 
to be absent from her, he felt the separation most keenly ; still 
he did not now, nor ever afterwards, allow this sentiment to in- 
terfere with his duties either towards God or man ; did not per- 
mit his own unhappiness to interfere with his natural kindness 
and courtesy to all. 

In the latter part of Summer he wrote to Mariquitta a most 
touching letter, begging her to return, expatiating on his love 
for her, his longing to have her again and his ardent desire to 
see his dear little Julio. 

At the time the baby was a little unwell and Mariquitta 
dreaded under the circumstances making the long trip; but 
moved by her Julius' pathetic appeal, and knowing that he was 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 97 

ignorant of the child's slight indisposition, which was after all 
but trivial, she tore herself away from Limours and her family 
and set forth to join him. 

The circumstances of their reunion and the death of Julio 
and Julius' tender devotion to his sick wife and dying child are 
beautifully described in the following letters. 



98 BIOGRAPnV OF 



CHAPTER IX. 

Departure of Jrariqnittn with her baby to join Julius — their arrival at Fort 
Brown and its death and her own severe illness — Julius' perfect and most 
tender devotion to his dying child and herself. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Sept. 25th, 1850. 

" Dear, dear Parents, the boat will not leave this evenintf, and I am 
very vexed that we have been thus deceived, for otherwise I could have 
passed another good night with you. I am afraid that you did not arrive 
in time for the last omnil>us and tiuit in consequence you must have been 
compelled to make the whole trip on foot. Tbis tiiought torments me. 

" Sept. 2C)(h. — My very dear Parents, I did not start until late this 
morning. My son did not pass a bad night, although tliere was an im- 
mense quantity of mosquitoes and the lieat was intense. I cannot remem- 
ber ever having sud'ored as much from the heat and I have made amends for 
my wretched nigiit by sleeping to-da}' nearly two and a half hours. The 
boat goes exceedingly slowly and constantly stops. As for my boy, up to 
the present he is perfectly well. Being compelled to occupy myself with 
him is a real blessing for myself as it diverts my sad thoughts. Still, 
whilst passing before Carondelet, my heart became so full, so heavy, that 
but for him I could not have been consoled. Limours, dear Limours, Ah I 
when shall I see you again 1 Can Jules ever love me sufficiently for the 
immense sacrifice I am making for him? Dear Parents, I beg you to take 
good care of your health and do not overwork yourselves. It is for your 
children you are working, and as we look upon you as our dearest gift, it 
is with grief we see that too often you do more than j'ou ought. My little 
angel is well but seems homesick. lie now has only me to caress him and 
that does not seem to content him. Poor little one ! when will he be able 
to return to you? To-day I realized to the full my position and became 
60 sad as to feel well-nigh discouraged. I trust God will give me the 
strength and patience, so necessary, and that in compensation for the wor- 
riments tliat I shall endure he will give good health to you, to Jules and 
to my dear little Julio. Whenever poor Julio cries every lady on board 
has some remedy to advise, one Whiskey, another Paregoric, another a 
Cordial ; but, as you may understand, 1 do not profit by tbeir charitable 
advice. 

" Sepfemhcr 28//j, Salurdai/. — We are still only thirty-five miles from 
St. Louis, caught on a sand-bank. I am commencing to hope that we will 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 99 

bo obliged to rottirn to St. Louis. The Columbus passed us yesterday 
about tliree o'clock, and I am be<<;innin<!; to rej;ret that I did not take it 
in preference to tlie Athintic wiiich is so overloaded tliat she is compelled 
to give some of her freij^ht to each boat tiiat we see descendin<;;. Last 
night was very fresh. The temperature has totally changed. Since last 
evening the boat lias made such frantic efforts to leave its resting place 
that every moment I cx{)ected it would go to pieces. 

"Although Julio has not a suffering air, still I fear that he has only 
eaten enough to keep himself from dying of hunger. I would give a great 
deal to leave the boat and return to St. Louis even but for a day \ but to 
leave at present would be such a difficult thing that I dare not venture it 
unless through extreme necessity. It is rumored that by this hour to- 
morrow we will be at Cairo. However, I can hardly believe it, since we 
are always at the same spot. 

" The boat has just started and thus I have lost the hope of returning 
to St. Louis. I shall try and finish my letter to-day, so as to mail it to- 
morrow from Cairo, and I am taking advantage of the sleep of my dear 
little angel. I have never seen him so pretty as just now, he laughed in 
peals with me and caressed me so graciously. 

"Adieu dear Papa, dear Mamma, I tenderly embrace you both, also 
my Sisters, Grandfather, my Aunts, Uncle Cullard and all my St. Louis 
relatives. 

" Your dear daughter, 

" Mauiquitta. 
" Sept. 29lh. — We are now making good speed." 



Mariqidtta to her Parents. 

" September 30th, 1850. 
" My dearest Parents, 

"I am writing to you from Cairo. It is now five days since I started 
and I might have remained with you up to to-day. Ah ! what a difference 
if I had but listened to Mamma Didi I Since two nights ago my son has 
been ailing; he has taken cold and I believe had a little fever all night. 
His nose was stopped up, and his little hands were burning; he vomited 
unceasingly, and could get no rest laying down, so impeded was his res- 
piration. I spent the night in rocking him in the rocking chair. Yester- 
day morning I found him better, I rubbed him with twenty grains of 
quinine and kept him all day in the cabin. Last evening one of the ladies 
on board rubbed his nose, temples, chest, feet and hands with mutton- 
tallow and he slept well the first part of the night. His cold is over, I 
believe, but it has given him the colics since yesterday morning. If we 
continue the route as well as we began it I cannot tell when we will arrive 
and in all probability I shall not reach Fort Brown before fifteen days. 
Fifteen days more to pass among strangers, without a friend to assist and 
console me in my moments of despair ; for I can call by no other name 



100 BIOGRAPHY OF 

what I experience when I see my angel suffering; and feel that I shall be 
incapable of nursing him properly if he should beconie seriously ill on 
this unlucky boat! 

*' Tuesdai/. — My dear Parents, we are still at Cairo ; but my son is better 
to-day, so tliat I feel more calm in spirit. There are so many babies on 
the boat and they make such an uproar that it is impossible fur my Julio 
to sleep. I shall be indeed curious to know when we shall arrive. I fear 
we shall miss the boat to Brazos ; but I shall not grieve if my son is well. 

'■'■Wednesday. — We left the sand-bank this morning and leave Cairo this 
evening. Adieu, my dear Parents, I embrace you very tenderly as also 
my sisters, grandfather, and all my aunts and uncles. 

" Your affectionate daughter, 

" Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Mother. 

"Fort Brown, October 9th, 1850. 
" Dear Mother, 

" The mail arrived from St. Louis this morning, and I received but one 
letter, from Dr. Abadie, and a line or so from my darling little wife. The 
Doctor's letter was dated the 15th September, and Mariquitta's though 
not dated, must have been of about that time, for she would have left, she 
said, had it not been for the sickness of Julio, on the morrow, — and the 
15th had been chosen for the day of departure. I feel a little worried 
about my son, though Mariquitta appears to experience no fears, and I so 
long for their arrival or, at least, to have better accounts. I would also 
love to know, my dear Mother, that you are well. Mariquitta writes that 
you are suffering from very high fever, the result of the fatigue caused by 
the packing of her trunks. I am grieved to hear this, and sincerely hope 
by this time it has disappeared and that each day finds j'ou better settled 
on your property, and that you can be freed from care and trouble, as also 
from the fatigue that my poor Mariquitta and Julio must have imposed 
upon your maternal affection. You will now have the opportunity of re- 
establishing your health ; because you must be exhausted, my dear and 
good Mother, and have need of rest. I long to hear you are in better 
health and have regained your strength, for I bear you a much truer and 
deeper affection than you dream of. I can thoroughly sympathize with all 
you endured last year in body and soul ; and when I reflect that the greater 
part was caused through my wife and child, all my interest and affection 
for you, dear Mother, are further increased by my gratitude. Believe me 
when I say, I will do all that depends upon a man to make Mariquitta's 
life as bright and happy as a sun-beam. 

"I expect my own sweet wife, by the 'Globe',* on next Monday, and, 
having obtained permission, I will leave Sunday for Brazos to meet and wel- 
come her home. Every thing promises her a fortunate trip, and I hope this 

* One of the steamers between New Orleans and the Brazos. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. IQl 

time she will not fail to come to crown my happiness. One must acknowl- 
edge that after a long and cruel waiting, rendered more trying by constant 
uneasiness and fears and a long series of disappointments, succeeding each 
other, I have at least the right to wish the return of the one who is dearest 
to me in this world ! 

"I have heard nothing of my Court of Inquiry and it may be I will 
have to remain in arrest two or three more months ; but if Mariquitta is 
here, I will joyfully resign myself. 

" To-day I received a letter from an Officer of my Regiment who writes 
from the Headquarters of General Twiggs that the General appears to have 
no idea of our Regiment changing forts this winter. I am delighted, for 
we have a pleasant home and, excepting servants and society, have all 
that is necessary to make us happy and contented. 

"As soon as Mariquitta arrives I will let you know, my dear Mother; 
but, in the meantime, have no fear, for I can assure you there is no need. 
The ocean is calm in October once the equinox is over, the storms are over 
long before this date, and besides I have written to the proprietor of the 
line of Steamers recommending my wife and child immediately to the care 
of his Captains, which he will not fail to do. There is a stewardess to each 
of these Steamers, and I feel sure that Mariquitta will have every atten- 
tion. With this certainty I embrace you most affectionately as well as all 
the family. 

" I assure you, you may believe with perfect confidence in the affec- 
tion of 

"Your devoted Son, 

"Jules." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"October 10th, 1850. 
"My dearest Parents, 

" To-night we arrive in New Orleans and I profit by my last quiet day 
to write. I long for news from you, and yet I fear it will be some time 
before I shall be thus gratified. If I only knew you were all in good 
health it would give me courage to continue my travels. Fifteen days in 
which I know nothing of either you or Jules ! My Julio is my little 
Guardian Angel, without him this suspense would be unendurable. He 
sustains my courage by his lovely baby ways ; and I am so delighted to 
see him well, gay and happy, that I feel a lively gratitude towards God 
who protects me in so marked a manner. Nearly all the ladies and all the 
children have been sick, but not for one moment have I felt any indisposi- 
tion, and for the last five or six days my Julio has been all I could desire. 
He is so much more knowing than when we left you. I am so proud and 
happy with my darling boy that there are times I feel it borders on idolatry, 
and I fear God will punish me. I have already written to you four different 
times, twice from Cairo, once from Memphis and once from Vicksburg. 
This letter makes the fifth, all of which letters I hope will reach you, and 
I also hope that you are not too worried about my son and self. 



102 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" I lifive finished Toto's slippers and Nancy's cape, also Jules' slippers, 
and have hemmed liis pretty cravat. You see I have lost no time in keep- 
in;:; myself busy, tliis has prevented me from thinkinif too mucli. 

" October Wih. — Wo arrived last ni;j:ht, my dear Parents, and my bahy 
and self are in perfect health, I hope it is the same with you. Do not worry 
about me, for God is ever watchful over me. It really appears that the 
Globe has waited expressly for me, for it always leaves Thursday and this 
time it leaves on Friday. I hope to arrive Monday at Brazos and Tuesday 
at Fort Brown. 

"Good-bye, my darlina; Parents, I embrace you most tenderly as also 
my Sisters, Grandfather, Uncles and Aunts. 

" Your devoted and lovinsr daujchter, 

"Mariquitta." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"October 20th, 1850. 
*' Mr DEAREST Paren'ts, 

"I finally arrived this morning at Brazos. I have left the boat and 

am at Major Cliapman's waiting for Jules who has been notified of my 

arrival. Our voyage was long; but not too severe. I was only sea-sick 

once. My little Julio is suffering a little, but I am in hopes it will be 

nothing." 

Julius to Mariquitta s Uncle. 

" Fort Brown, Wednesday, October 23rd, 1850. 

"Mv dear Uvci.e, 

*' The enclosed letter for Mr. and Mme. Edward de Laur6al announces 
to them the sad news, sad for us who lose him, that our dear little Julio 
has left us to wing his flight to God. But my poor Parents loved this 
child so much, that I feared to announce this loss directly to them and so, 
with tlie advice of Mariquitta, I rely on your goodness, to deliver tiiis let- 
ter to tiiem with your own hand and to impart the news to them as gently 
as possible. My dear wife supports this misfortune with a resignation 
which astonishes me, but, it is true, that from the very beginning she had 
no hope. She is pretty well now, excepting a nervous headache. 

"The letter for my Parents will tell you all. I am writing in great 
haste, so please excuse me. A thousand kind regards to my Aunt, as also 
to all the rest of the family. Mariquitta embraces you all very tenderly. 

" Your affectionate Nephew, 

"Jules Garesche." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Parents. 

" Fort Browx, Wednesday, October 23rd, 1850. 

"My dear, dear Parents, 

"My jMariquitta arrived Thursday with her child, very, very sick; he 
had caught cold on the steamer. The Doctor ou seeing him told me all hope 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 103 

was at an end, but he treated him so well, that the poor little angel became 
better. Every body thought so, the Doctor himself even saw a glimmer of 
hope, when all of a sudden, Monday in the afternoon the child began to 
suffer so dreadfully, and the remedies seemed to have so little effect that 
we sent for the Doctor several times. He came again towai-ds three o'clock 
in the morning, and said there Avas but one last hope, to prepare a hot bath. 
"The bath was ready, they undressed Julio to put him in, when he 
commenced sinking so rapidly that the Doctor cried out, ' It is useless.' 
He thought, as we all did, that the child was dying. Mariquitta then 
wished to take him, and held him on her knees for nearly two hours, each 
minute of which we thought would be the last. In spite of my entreaties 
she would not loosen her hold of him, until at last exhausted nature com- 
pelled her to lie down. She lay next to him, and little by little fell asleep 
or dozed, I was kneeling by them : what a long and cruel agony I One 
would have said Julio would not die, and yet God had stayed his death ; 
we all prayed. The good Priests said their Masses in honor of the Blessed 
Virgin, St. Joseph and St. Peter for him, they had made a novena in 
thanksgiving for his recovery — we even tried to obtain a miracle in his be- 
half, by Father Telmon's advice, who was with us in his last moments : we 
gave him to God, we consecrated him to the priesthood, and giving him a 
teaspoonful of holy water to swallow awaited the result, whilst the Priest 
went to say his Mass again for him. On my knees at the foot of the bed 
I united my intention with the Priest's, and scarcely had I finished my 
prayers for the Elevation when my boy died ; the watch which I held in 
my hand marked precisely a quarter to eight. Mariquitta slept still, a 
moment afterwards she awoke, touched him all over, saw he was no more, 
took him herself and went through the painful ordeal of dressing him, 
then placed him by her side and remained thus a half or three-quarters of 
an hour. I could no longer keep an account of time after that. Looking 
at him she murmured ' That is not my child, that is not my beautiful Julio, 
my own beautiful little angel, what corpse is that?' The poor little dar- 
ling was dreadfully changed by his long sufferings. Mariquitta was calm, 
she shed not a tear; finally they carried her from there into an adjoining 
room, where she was put to bed, and they hastened to give her medicines, 
for she suffered fearfully from her head and back. Father Telmon endeav- 
ored to console her, she answered him quietly but was not consoled. At 
last a nervous spasm seized her, she tossed about her arms and legs, thrust 
every one from her, and asked why they thus tormented her. I had no 
courage left, to see her heart-rending grief, and my own deep rooted sor- 
row — for Oh I I so dearly loved my child ! to think that had I left them at 
Limours God might have spared me all this, this thought was maddening; 
but Father Telmon spoke to her again, reminded her, how happy her 
child now was, that she still had her husband, and told her many more 
consoling things. She was moved, throwing her arms around my neck (I 
was kneeling at her feet) she answered 'Oh ! yes, I love him well.' I waa 



104 BIOGRAPHY OF 

weeping, I still weep at the thought of that dreadful night; ihey left us 
alone after having given her an anodyne. She slept, dozing several times 
during the day and night ; she was very gentla, very calm and very rea- 
sonable, and this morning she is much better, although she still suffers 
much from her head and back. I have contrived to make her laugh several 
times, I was myself astonished at my success. If not for her head-ache, 
one would imagine a month had elapsed since the death of her child, but 
she never hoped to be able to save him, three or four times she believed 
him to be dying. Saturday morning we could scarcely doubt the fact, we 
were all around him, his breathing was so feeble one could scarcely distin- 
guish it, his eyes were dim and glazed as in death, so I suppose the effect 
is the same as if she had lost him sometime ago. I gently forced her to 
take a rest, and she has slept nearly all the last two days, although before 
reaching me she passed four entirely sleepless nights with him. All that 
now is the matter with her is nervous emotion, her pulse is regular, she 
has no more fever, and is looking well — and I hope with God's grace she 
will overcome her great grief. Every attention, assistance and sympathy 
were amply lavished upon her by the Officers and soldiers of the Garrison, 
the inhabitants of the city, the passengers on board of the boat, all ceased 
not to speak of her and Julio, all offered their services. Miss Marguerite 
Bennett, whose family has been intimate with ours for many years, with 
an old negro servant, a woman of great experience, stayed with us almost 
all the time. We have an excellent servant who also lately lost her first 
child. The Doctor was unceasing in his visits. Dear little Jules, he was 
buried yesterday at five o'clock. Father Telmon had the kindness to allow 
him to be buried in the Church as near the Communion rail as possible. 
In order to please my darling little wife, I gave her and Miss Marguerite 
full liberty to do as they wished, and they have done all possible in this 
country. As there is no mahogany here, tiiey ordered a double coffin 
of white pine faced inside and outside with white satin finished off with a 
silver fringe. Mariquitta was pleased and above all at the thought of hav- 
ing her darling buried in the Church. Father Telmon by his consoling 
words does her so much good. I have requested him to sleep in the room 
next ours, and he accepted with the greatest kindness. 

"I learnt yesterday that I am to be tried: when my case is decided, if 
Mariquitta wishes, I will try to obtain a Leave and take her to you. I 
would like to write to you at greater length but Mariquitta likes to have 
me near her, and I scarcely ever leave her. She has just awakened from 
a sweet and gentle sleep ; her color is good and she looks well. I leave 
you to go and chat with her, to make her laugh and talk. She loves me 
as I told you I longed to be loved, and I am wrapt up in her. 

" Good-bye, my dear, dear Parents, she unites with me in embracing you 

tenderly as also our little Sisters. 

" Your affectionate Son, 

"Jules." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 105 

Mariqiiitta to her Parents. 

" October 26th, 1850. 
" My dearly beloved Parents, 

" Do not worry too much over me, until now God has given me a courage 
that I do not understand and I cannot attribute it but to one cause. It is 
that I am not yet capable of understanding the loss I have experienced. 

" Oct. 2>Qth. — The mail has not yet arrived and, as I am stronger now, 
I hope to be able to give you some details of the terrible event that has 
deprived me of all my happiness. If I had remained at Limours I would 
still be happy and still possess my angel ; but fate has decreed otherwise, 
and I must bow to its decree. Oh ! my darling Mother, in saying good- 
bye to you. I knew I must also bid good-bye to my angel. 

"The evening of our arrival at New Orleans I determined to sleep 
aboard in spite of the entreaties of good Mr. Connelly. Alas! why did I 
not listen to his entreaties! I would then still be a happy Mother; and 
now I have no longer my son. The Captain of the Globe fearing I would 
be devoured b}'' the mosquitoes offered me his room on deck. Tliis room 
though small iiad seven openings. I did not pay attention to this, and as 
Mrs. MacDonald was constantly complaining of tlie heat and I was tired 
I was incapable of thought. During the night Julio had on only his cotton 
petticoat and dress, and I allowed Mrs. MacDonald to take them off with- 
out putting on others. A little while afterwards the breeze blew up and 
when I awoke my child was icy cold, but nevertheless did not appear to 
suffer, because he was laughing and playing near me. The following 
morning he commenced to have colics and to cough quite frequently, but 
always the same little cough timt used to amuse us so much. This was on 
Saturday. During Monday or Tuesday night he did nothing else but nurse 
and cry, and did not sleep at all. He coughed a great deal Tuesday night 
and I felt so uneasy that I called in a Doctor to see him. He came to my 
sorrow and gave Julio a strong emetic that the poor little fellow never vom- 
ited. The following morning he gave him two strong doses of Calomel. I 
recollected that Doctor Abadie gave it to Joseph and as the thought of my 
dear little Brother cruelly tormented me I let him do it. Towards noon 
my child was dying, he grew pale, blue, convulsions set in and I thought 
he was going to pass from me. In the evening he was a little better, but 
the night was terrible. The following morning we arrived at Brazos. 
Jules was not there, it was a moment of despair. The fever grew very 
high. The eyes of my darling assumed a terribly fi.xed appearance, and 
I expected every moment to see him die. On landing he became better till 
evening but he did not sleep that niglit. Major Chapman was a true friend 
to me, walking him a great part of the night, and helping me give him the 
remedies prescribed by Doctor Jarvis. At times the convulsions were so 
strong and the cries of my child so heart-rending that I was on the point 
of smothering him in my arms in order to end his horrible sufferings. The 



106 BIOGRAPHY OF 

next morning Doctor Jarvis found him much better. lie told me not to 
despair as I did, that the doctor on the boat had 'really placed the life 
of the child in dani^er ; but that I had now nothin;: more to fear, that 
every thing was going on well and I could proceed to Fort Brown. 

"I entered the carriage only half satisfied and very, very anxious. 
Jules met me half way. He was so happy to see his child, that he would 
not believe all my sad presentiments. Immediately on arriving at Fort 
Brown he went for a young but talented Doctor from Brownsville. This 
Doctor on seeing my child considered him lost. lie ordered a hot bath 
and took Jules aside, to say he would attempt all in his power but there 
was nothing for him to do. I understood all and a terrible despair took 
possession of mo. Shortly after my arrival Miss Bennett, the Colonel's 
sister, and her old negress entered. They at once tried to warm my poor 
little angel, whose extremities were icy-cold. They succeeded and during 
the last four days of his life they nursed him night and day. My first 
thought on seeing my son die was the hope I would soon follow him ; but 
Jules' despair changed my sentiments. AVhen I saw him at my feet beg- 
ging my pardon and acknowledging his being the cause of the fearful 
misfortune that overwhelmed me, I could no longer blame him and I felt 
I was still needed on this earth. Sunday and Monday I had some hope, 
the physician seemed more confident, he followed the disease Avith so much 
care, and appeared to be so interested in Julio and besides during the six 
days in which my child had been so ill, I had so implored of God to take 
him from the first day of his sickness, if he were to continue his excruci- 
ating sufferings, that it appeared to me impossible to lose him. On Mon- 
day for a moment I thought him saved and before tiie picture of the Sacred 
Heart I wept tears of gratitude in thanking God for the immense favor I 
thought He had granted me. Those were the last tears I shed. 

" I was near my child in his agony, I held him in my arms in his last 
moments, yet I did not see him die, for I left the room but for a moment, 
and when I returned I found nothing but a little corpse. That sight did 
not bring forth a single tear. Jules was sobbing near me, but I no longer 
felt any thing. I dressed my child mj^self and then lay down by him. A 
moment afterwards I leant over to look at him ; he was so disfigured that 
I felt my strength failing and allowed myself to be carried into the adjoin- 
ing room. Since, I have not seen him! he is gone forever! They gave 
me a strong dose of laudanum and ether, and, in the evening w'hen I 
awoke, I learned that my child was no longer in the house, that he had 
been buried in the Church, at the foot of tiie Communion Table. I have 
no longer any courage, my life seems a terrible void. Jules has promised 
to take me to Limours to stay some weeks. Indeed, it ought to be a great 
comfort for me, and yet the idea of returning to the place so filled w^ith the 
memory of my child terrifies me. 

'* November 4lh, — 

" The mail has not yet arrived, my dear Parents. I long for it and yet 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 107 

dread ifc, my heart is so filled with dark and sad presentiments that it 
appears to me impossible to hear any thing good. Jules does all he can 
to distract me; Miss Bennett and the Officers pay me every attention. 
Every day I take a drive or a horse-Vmck ride. At times I feel entirely 
well, but whenever the thought of my darling comes it brings back the 
nervous head-ache. Jules was frightened by my thinness the day of my 
arrival. lie thinks I have since improved a great deal, all that see me 
are of the same opinion. Therefore, my dear Parents, you need not worry 
yourselves about me. 

" Noveviher 9ih. — I fear that the delay of the mail has made you anxious, 
and this thought torments me. However, you must not get worried if some- 
times a month passes by without hearing from me. The North winds, Avhich 
we have every week, greatly delay the passage of the steamers, and, as the 
Globe was condemned after her last voyage, we have now only one boat to 
carry the mail. The weather has been very severe for the last three days. 
It must be intensely cold at St. Louis. 

"You have also been tried. Your two dear little boys have left you 
forever. Ah ! my God, have pity on us ! do not overwhelm us! I went to 
Communion on the morning I left St. Louis ; you, my dear Parents, blessed 
me and my child, Grandfather also, these benedictions made me feel strong 
and yet God did not listen to you. He has taken away my son, I have no 
longer a child. My beautiful little Julio is under ground, under that 
damp and cold ground. Ah ! if I knew he would have found Iiis death 
here who could have induced me to leave Limours! Ah! Limours, dear 
Limours, how my heart was broken in leaving you ! 

"Yesterday, dear Mamma, I received your letter of the 1st of October 
and one from Nancy dated the 28th of September, and the long twelve 
paged one you wrote to Jules. Dear, dear Mamma, forgive the pain he 
caused you. The passionate love he bears me is the cause. He could no 
longer reason, he was almost crazy ; would you believe, my dear Parents, he 
was so glad to have me that the death of his child does not afflict him ? He 
suffered only on account of my own sufferings ; he continually tells me that 
now he is perfectly happy, that he did not think he could have such great 
happiness; that he is intoxicated with delight. You can have no idea what 
effect his words produce on me. They cut me to the heart and at times 
render me indignant. Ah ! indeed it is not thus I loved my son ! The affec- 
tion that I bear you, my husband and my sisters is certainly strong, yet 
that which I bore my Julio was a hundred times stronger. It was adora- 
tion, worship. I loved him too dearly. God has punished me; but the 
punishment was too great, it has crushed me and has closed my heart 
against all that is sweet and consoling. I no longer know how to pray, in 
fact I had prayed so, so hard on my knees, holding my dying son in my arms, 
I cried to heaven to spare him. Anyhow he Avould have died in coming 
here ; for, in spite of every effort, Jules could not find a wet-nurse. God 
wished this beautiful little Angel, He did not find me worthy of keeping 



108 BIOGRAPHY OF 

him, I was not capable and lie united him with Joseph •,* but how He 
made him sufiFer before death, what terrible sufferings that poor little angel 
endured, and that, too, during eight days, without interruption! How 
often I have regretted they prolonged his agony ! Wlien I recollect his 
smothered cries, and the contortions of his face, I feel as if they were going 
to commence again. Ah ! nevertheless, my child, if you have left me do 
not forget me; God must leave you the thought of your poor desolate 
Mother! One consolation for me is that he can now pray for you, and 
that he can now render you all you did for me. I never cease recom- 
mending you to him, I tell him to remember how you loved him, all you 
did for him. 

" November lO/h. — My poor Jules is sick in bed since yesterday with 
fever and cold. It is nothing up to the present, still it is always better to 
take precautions from the very beginning. 1 beg and implore of you to 
be prudent against the cold. Does Nancy intend going soon to St. Louis? 
I do not wish that the death of Julio should hinder her enjoying herself 
this winter. I know how much you all loved him, but he is now a per- 
fectly happy little angel, so it is only we who should deplore him. Far 
from blaming my sisters if they amuse themselves I hope they will on the 
contrary keep n'le posted about their pleasures. 

"Jules is feeling better, he is up and intends writing to you. I can 
assure you that he is very sorry for having caused you grief. 

"Good-bye, my dear Parents, do not worry yourselves concerning me, 
my husband loves me to distraction and does all in his power to make me 
happy. I embrace you most lovingly as also my Sisters. 

" Your Mariquitta." 

Mariqiiitta to her sister Madeleine. 

"November 14th. 1850. 
"Dear Toto, 

" I have not yet written to you and therefore I write this letter. My last 
one to Papa and Mamma was so sad that I am sorry I sent it. Whenever 
I speak of my son, and to you I cannot speak but of him, all my sorrow 
returns and I cannot find a single gay thought; and yet, will you believe 
it, you who have seen me with my Julio and who know whether I loved 
him, whether any thing else could occupy my mind, how my passionate 
love rendered me sometimes ridiculous; will you believe that since the 
death of this little idolized angel I laugh, I talk, I amuse myself just as 
if I never had known the happiness of being a mother and that this happi- 
ness has been taken away from me? I only feel about me an indefinable 
emptiness and I cannot find what is missing. 

'■'■ Nov. lG</i. — I send Mamma Didi, by the young French priest who 
leaves us to-day, a box in which I have placed some bonbons for you all 

* Her deceased little brother. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 109 

and four little pieces of cloth Avhich hare never served my angel and of 
which Mamma can make aprons for Adfele and Marie. 

^^ Nov. iSth. — I have had no nevFS from you all since the 8th October. 
I feel accordingly very anxious and tormented in mind, above all on 
account of Grandfather who was very sick when Mamma last wrote. I 
have found my poor Jules very thin and greatly changed. The Court has 
not yet assembled. I hope that as soon as it has terminated Jules and I 
can then start for St. Louis. Good-bye, dear Sister, I tenderly embrace 
you as also Papa, Mamma, Nancy, Tavie, Marie, and Adfele. 

" Your affectionate sister 

" Mariquitta." 



110 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER X. 

Julius' release from arrest — desire to liavc his innocence proved by a Mili- 
tary Tribunal — his description of his position in the Army in rank — 
Mariquitta's grief over the loss of her Julio and resignation to the Will 
of God — life of herself and Julius at the Fort — Brother Roudet's re- 
marks — Julius' great charitj' to the poor — his intense love for Mariquitla 
— flattering encomium of the Inspector General on excellent appearance 
and drill of his Company — regard of his Superiors for him — intention of 
General Brooke, Military Governor of Texas, to ttike him as his Aide-de- 
Camp to California and desire of his Lieut. -Colonel of Regiment, Gen- 
eral Walbach, to have him appointed as his Adjutant should he receive 
the command of the Regiment. 

The letters succeeding are descriptive of Jidius' release from 
arrest, his anxiety to have his innocence established by a mili- 
tary Court, and touch upon other interesting matters. 

Julius to Mariqiiitta' s Parents. 

" Fort Brown, Thursday, November 21st, 1850. 
" My dear Parents, 

"I have again risen from an attack of sickness which compelled me to 
keep my bed with a high fever and a dreadful head-ache, all of day before 
yesterday. jMaviquitta seems better when I am sick, which fact convinces 
me more and more that her sickness is purely nervous ; the distraction 
Avliich is caused by her solicitude for me, a solicitude which seen in the 
absence of all danger does not rise to real anxiety, and the necessity of 
occvptjing hcrsdf^ which her interest in me imposes, operates as a very 
salutary diversion for her and drives away sadness and all mox'bid 
thoughts. 

" I have just received my liberty and thus am given back the command 
of my Company and ten dollars additional pay per month. Tiiis pleases 
me, for I was sick of being so long deprived of all the privileges of my 
rank, and also indignant with the treatment I have received ; for, will you 
believe it, after having been thus placed in arrest for five long months, 
without having been either judged or condemned, simply through the 
caprice of a contemptible Commander, I am refused all justice! The 
answer of the General is equivalent to that. He tells me that it is impos- 
sible to assemble a Court at this moment, that my accusation will remain 
on file, to be considered one of these dai/s, if it be found necessary! I 
understand well the meaning of this. I never expected to receive justice 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. 6ARESCHE. m 

from tills General, so I had asked it of General T\viga;s, but the latter, it 
seems, did not wish to implicate himself and my foreboding has turned 
out true. I shall now address myself to General Scott, though I know- 
that he too will refuse to enter in it for fear of offending Generals Twijrirs 
and Brooks; for it is always thus with the great ones of this world, they 
are always willing to sacrifice the low to please themselves, one for the 
other. After that I shall petition the Senate and the House of Represen- 
tatives. I have very little hope from that quarter, still I shall have the 
satisfaction of then having exhausted every possible means. After every 
thing has been done my present feelings of disgust and impatience will 
have attained their height and I shall be ready to embrace any honorable 
calling which will guarantee me a sure subsistence for my family. But I 
do not intend making such a venture until I have Avell weighed the step. 
There are twenty-four First Lieutenants in a Regiment of Artillery; of 
the eleventh in the list that I stood at the beginning of this year I am at 
this moment the fifth. Just now there is a pnject before Congress which 
if approved, as it is to be hoped, will take away two of our Captains and 
at once place me third ; and of the four ranking Captains of the entire 
Artillery corps, with its forty-eight Captains, we have two who could be- 
come Majors immediately and I would thus be placed at the head of the 
list. You can accordingly see that I have sufficient grounds of hope of 
becoming a Captain in at least two years. This would give me a monthly 
increase of $10 pay. The following year, that is to say in September, I 
shall have seen ten years of service and for each period of five years of 
service there is a monthly increase of $6 of pay. Again, in mounting 
another grade, one can aspire to becoming a commander of a post, which 
is another increase equivalent to the value of our rations, which would be 
for me — if I could to-day command a post — §tZ4 more per month. Add to 
all this the fuel, the rent of a house, the physician's and druggist's bill 
which we are spared and which in St. Louis could well amount to |400 or 
|500 a year, and you will see that my position is not only an assured but 
a fine one. One must not forget either, that if I remain in the ser- 
vice, my widow has the right for five years to a small pension which to-day 
would not be less than i^l5 per month, if it is not $30, and which would 
augment with my increase of rank. Therefore, for me ever to decide on 
leaving the service, I must be offered as good a position and one as well 
assured. 

" I leave you as Mariquitta wishes to add a word. She will tell you that 
she is contented with me and thoroughly convinced of my love ; with that 
love which increases each day and which regards all that she loves, and 
which is too great not to render her happy. Therefore, have no anxiety 
about her. Embrace for me my dear little sisters and thank Toto and 
Tavie* for the cravats which they had the goodness to send me and which 

*Mariquitta's little sister Octavie. 



112 BIOGRAPHY OF 

I consider, as ulso your own, (for which I also thank you,) very pretty. I 
have already worn them with pleasure. Adieu, I tenderly embrace you 
and beg you to believe me 

"Your devoted son, 

"Jules." 
Mariquitta to her sister Nancy. 

" December 3rd, 1850. 
" Dear Sister, 

" I received yesterday your letter of the 17th October without having 
fresher news. Is it not really discouraging? I wish to write to you, I 
have the best intentions; yet I doubt of my being capable. Since the 
death of my little adorable angel I have no longer any ideas, I can no 
longer do any thing. I used to love to write but now it is a painful task, 
even when I write to you all. I spend Hours in thinking what I will say 
and 3'^et no thoughts come. Jules frequently tenderly reproaches me with 
becoming lazy; but what can I do now that I have no longer my baby? 
I have a servant who does all the work of the house, I have no sewing to 
do, and besides I am tired of every thing. Every thing worries me, every 
thing seems tiresome. I seem to be always awaiting something, I am like 
a traveller. Ah! what good it would do me to be again at Limours! 
Then I could again work with pleasure, because then I would be aiding 
you all. I recall with such emotions of pleasure when we would go in 
the evening searching for fuel around the house. Oh ! happy time why 
art thou gone! When I returned to our little room I would find my son 
and oh I how beautiful he was during the last days of his life I How I 
loved him ! I loved hira too much, and perhaps that is why God took him 
away; but it was very severe in Him to punish my love tlius, it was too 
hard for me. I prayed with such fervor when I supplicated Him to leave 
me my child. It is very sad to think that God does not grant all our 
petitions. 

" I am making butter nearly every day. Jules churns it. The parish 
priest of Brownsville, Mr. Telmon, takes his meals with us since my 
arrival, which annoys me somewhat ; for, though Jules has a sincere 
friendship for him, he does not at all please me. There is talk of his 
being changed, and I would be well contented. The weather is detestable 
to day and I can assure you I frequently ask myself what Jules can find 
80 delicious in the climate of Texas. He joins me in embracing you all. 

"Your best friend, 

" Mariquitta." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"December 12th, 1850. 
" My dear Parents, 

"I received this morning your letters of the 15th, 23rd, and 25th of 
November. I had had no news of you since the 19th of October and I 
was very much worried, I can assure you. New Year's day approaches, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. II3 

It will be the first I have passed for from you. I sent you my daguerro- 

type and that of Jules' by a young priest ; but the boat on which he was 

voyaging has been lost and I am greatly afraid that the daguerrotypes, 

the bonbons which I sent my sisters, and my watch are now at the bottom 

of the sea. For four or five days we have been experiencing intensely 

cold weather. We have had ice and snow, and one night a little dog, of 

which Jules was very fond, died from the cold. These wintry days have 

done me good and I feel so much better that I imagine, if I could only 

pass a winter in St. Louis, I would regain my girlhood's health. I found 

my husband very much changed; but he has picked up a great deal since 

and now is perfectly well. He loves me more passionately than ever, does 

every thing he can to make me happy. 

" Decemher \c>lh. — Jules has finally decided to make the trip to St. Louis. 

He wrote to-day to Gen. Brooke for Leave of absence and I hope that 

within two months we will be near you. Jules begs to be remembered to 

you and embraces you very tenderly. lie is suffering somewhat to-day 

and cannot write. 

" Your loving child, 

" Mariquitta." 

Mariquitta to her Sister Nancy. 

"December 13th, 1850. 
" Dear Sister, 

"Yesterday I received yours of the 15th November. If any thing could 
console me in my deep and untold grief it would certainly be the proofs of 
affection that my family have shown me. Your letter, as well as those of 
Mamma, Papa and Toto, made me cry a great deal, but at the same time 
relieved me. I feel if I could only find myself once more in your midst I 
would feel almost consoled. 

"I do not reproach you for not accompanying me on my journey, you 
could not nor ought not to leave our Parents, you are so necessary to them, 
and besides, dear Sister, you are so young, you would not have known any 
better than myself how to prevent the imprudence which killed my child. 
Ah! if my poor Mother could have seen how her Julio sufi"ered, what a 
sorrow it would have been for her! Before that fiital voyage I knew not 
what it was to suffer. The agony that lasted about five hours was so 
dreadful that beautiful as my boy was he became horrible, nay frightful. 
Exhausted, overwhelmed, I left the room for one moment ; when I returned 
I found him a disfigured corpse, with a repulsive expression. And think, 
dear Sister, I can no longer see him otherwise. Every night when I close 
my eyes I hear the last wail of my child, his smothered cries, and I see 
him in the embrace of death. How horrible this memory is, how I long 
to fly from it ! Joseph was not half as disfigured as Julio, and he did not 
suffer as much, besides his sufferings lasted only three days while Julio 
during eight days and eight nights knew no rest. At times I begged the 
Doctor to do nothing moi-e, to let him die, for he suffered too much, and 

8 



114 BIOGRAPHY OF 

then again I was full of hope, I felt so grateful to God who had spared my 
child that I wept tears of thanksgiving. And, nevertheless, lie had no 
pity for my affliction, He took from me my child without listening to my 
supplications and promises. When I. go to Cliurch I sec before me my 
poor little darling laid out, and then buried in the cold ground, all decom- 
posed, and worm-eaten, and then I say to myself what more can I ask of 
God. These sentiments afflict Jules; but he is not dependent upon me. 
Oh ! I assure you, the loss of my child was too great for me, I feel it more 
and more every day. 

" Good-bye, dear, dear Sister, I embrace you tenderly and Jules joins me. 

" Your affectionate Sister, 

" Mariquitta." 
Julius to Mariquitta' s Parents. 

" Fort Brown, Dec. 23, 1850. 
" My dear Parents, 

" The mail is about to leave and it is so dark that I can scarcely see, but 
I do not wish this mail to leave without a letter from me, to express the 
gratitude I felt in reading the proofs of your great affection and sympathy 
in this, our hour of need. I must also thank you for the §90 you had the 
kindness to send us as a present ; it will be very useful now if, as you say, 
you do not really need it. 

" Do not think I waited till the last moment to write you a hurried note. 
I had already prepared a little letter for you, but Mariquitta did not find it 
altogether to her taste, and although I had forbidden her reading it, the 
wicked little thing tore it up. Therefore, as you see, you must blame her. 
I would also have liked writing to you by the last boat, but I was sick that 
day, and lacked courage. 

" As Mariquitta has no doubt told you, I requested a Leave to take her to 
you, in hopes that the cold of a Limours winter and the pleasure of seeing 
you again, would be more beneficial to her health than all medicines. But 
do not base your hopes too much upon this Leave, I beg of you ; for, in the 
first place, it can be refused; and secondly, though granted, as I trust, it 
may be two months before I hear, and in two months who can foretell 
what may happen ; and thirdly, I frankly acknowledge that if Mariquitta 
is altogether convalescent during that period, I will be greatly tempted to 
remain where we are, until there is another change for our Company', and 
this may very probably occur within the next six months. Do not be wor- 
ried about Mariquitta, it is true she is not altogether over her nervousness, 
but thanks be to God, her health is constantly on the improvement. In the 
last juonth I, others, and even herself see the change and that she is recov- 
ering her strength, iiesh, and even her gayety, and all this mucli more 
decidedly than you would imagine. i 

" I am truly sorry to think of the long time that has expired since you 
last heard from us, the seven weeks must have appeared interminable. I 
hope God came to your assistance. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. US 

"Good-bye, dear Parents. Embrace most affectionately for me my Sis- 
ters, tender a thousand thanks to all the family, especially to Aunt Mary 
and Mr. Callard* fur all their kind and affectionate sympathy and be- 
lieve me, 

" Your devoted Son, 

"Jules." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" December 25th, 1850. 
"My dear Parents, 

" My Christmas passed more gfij'ly than I would have imagined. I 
went to the midnight Mass and received Communion, About mid-day we 
had an elaborate Egg-nog which a dozen persons honored. Every one was 
gay and in the evening we attended a little supper at one of the young 
officers' quarters, and another about 9 or 10 o'clock at Miss Bennett's. 
Dancing was proposed and I was not sorry that they could find no violins, 
for I should have been compelled to join the others and I no longer care 
for dancing. How quickly one can change in this world! I, who as a 
young girl doted on balls, am afraid now to see a quadrille formed. 

" December 29l?i. — The thought that I shall soon be at Limours renders 
me so happy. Shortly after our arrival tliere Jules proposes making a 
Retreat at Florissant under Father Gleizal, so that I shall be alone with 
you ten days. Then he intends passing a few days with each member of 
his own family. I hope that he will spend the longest time with you, in 
order that you may become thoroughly acquainted with him. The idea of 
the trip commences to please him and I think it will do him good, for he 
has experienced so many annoj'ances during the past year from his supe- 
riors that I imagine a change will be very beneficial. He is a little indis- 
posed to-day, it is the fuurtli indisposition he has had since my return. I 
do not know whether it is my imagination, but it seems to me that his 
health is not as good as it was. 

''Oh! my dear Parents, take good care of yourselves, liusband your 
strength, so that you may spend many more years with your children, who 
cherish you and who would have no more happiness were you to leave 
them ! The death of my child was indeed a cruel blow to me ; but I now 
deeply reproach myself with the little submission I showed ; for it was a 
blessing of God to choose my beautiful little angel rather than one of you, 
or my husband, or one of my sisters. I sincerely regret all the feelings of 
doubt and despair that I allowed myself to be carried away with ; since 
Christmas day all those feelings have disappeared, as if by enchantment, and 
I now feel ashamed of my want of courage when God is so merciful to me. 
Pardon me, my dear Parents, for the profound sorrow that my letters must 
have caused you; but truly up to Christmas day I was not mistress of 
myself; my sorrow overpowered me so that I allowed myself to be drawn 

* Monsieur Callard, married to Mariquitta's paternal Aunt Mary. 



116 BIOGRAPHY OF 

away by all sorts of horrible thoughts which rendered me perfectly mis- 
erable, removing me every day fiirther and farther from God. Finiilly, on 
Christmas night, the infant Jesus blessed my Communion, and, though I 
did not yet experience a sensible fervor, I felt myself altogether changed. 
I love to imagine my Julio happy, for up to the present time I could not 
believe in his happiness; I see him beautiful, joyous Avith Joseph and 
L6ontine,* praying for his poor Mother, for you, and for all those who 
loved him so dearly. I do not wish any more to despair of being one day 
reunited to him and I am going to endeavor to become as pious, as fervent, 
as I have been impious since my misfortune. Ah ! truly I was not worthy 
of keeping my angel, he was too pure for nie and it is necessary that I 
should becouie good, so thiit God will no longer take away the angels that 
He may send me. I intend going to Communion again on New Year's day, 
so as to commence the year well : it seems sad to pass this day far from 
you ; but the hope of returning soon to Limours gives me a superb courage. 
Ah 1 what a happiness and how I long already to arrive ! 

"I think that you will have in Jules a great assistant for your poultry- 
yard, because he has a perfect passion for chickens. I think, also, that 
he will regale himself with pleasure on clabber, for we have been deprived 
of it for over a month. With two cows we have not had sufficient milk for 
our own consumption, without thinking of clabber. If Jules would listen 
to me he would sell these two wretched beasts that have among their faults 
the need of food, and that is a great item at Fort Brown ; but no, he 
imagines he cannot replace them advantageously and therefore continues 
to keep them. 

" I commenced on board the ' Atlantic' a long letter to Aunt Clementine ; 
I spoke a great deal about my Julio and recounted his pretty ways ; alas ! 
the last news I had to give her was the death of this pretty little darling. 
I commenced my letter so g.iylj', how terribly surprised therefore must she 
have been with its ending! Poor Aunt! you say that she is suffering very 
much from a sore knee. I certainly ought not to complain when I com- 
pare my position to hers. Like myself she has lost a dear child ; but then 
she has not like myself a father, a mother, and a good husband to console 
her and soften her grief." 



O' 



Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, Jan. 2lst, 1851. 
*' Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" I have so seldom the opportunity of writing to you that I am going to 

profit by the last few moments that the ' Globe' affords. I am a little tired 

by my last evening's Ball. I did not amuse myself as much as at Major 

Chapman's, every one had the appearance of being bored. Jules is de- 

* Leontine de Coudroy de Laureal, her mother's youngest sister, who 
died at the Convent of St. Clotilde in Paris in 1850, at the age of 18. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. WJ 

lighted with my piano. I play constantly and charm him to that degree 
that he falls asleep. Is he not a gallant husband? Father Telmon leaves 
us to-morrow. Six weeks ago I would have been delighted, for then I 
could not endure him ; but I have finished by liking him very much and 
it is Avith intense sorrow I now see him leave. We will then be without a 
priest. I accept this as a patent against all mortal sicknesses. The air is 
most delicious to-day, real spring weather. Would that you could enjoy 
it at Limours; but it is more than probable that the weather is fixr from 
being mild in St. Louis and its environs! The newspapers say that the 
cold is most intense in the North and this thought gives me great anxiety. 
May God protect you, my dear Parents, and preserve you for many, many 
years for your children's sake ! I am constantly thinking of you and of 
my sisters and my heart is relieved of a great load when I receive good 
news of you all. 

"Good-bye, my dear Parents, I embrace you a thousand and a thousand 
times as also your dear little children. 

" Your child who loves you, 

" Mariquitta." 

Extract from, a letter of lay Brother Roudet. 

"In 1851, while I was still in Marseilles, France, I knew of Mr. Gares- 
ch6. I heard even from the mouth of Rev. Father Telmon that this good 
Lieutenant had rendered the Church of Brownsville and himself, in par- 
ticular, every possible service ; and that when this good Priest was sick, a 
frequent occurrence, good Mr. Garesch6 conveyed him to his own house 
and nursed him himself. lie would be seen during the night walking in 
the chamber of the invalid in his bare feet for fear of awakening him. 
In recompense for all the signal services, rendered to hiaiself and his 
parishioners. Rev. Father Telmon, on the occasion of his visit to Rome, 
asked and obtained of his Holiness a Medal of Honor* for his benefactor, 
and for his wife a magnificent and exceedingly costly pair of beads." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Ft. Brown, January 29th, 1851. 
" Dear Papa, dear Mamjia, 

"I really went to the Ball yesterday and enjoyed myself a great deal. 
In starting, I expected to return at midnight, but I found myself unable 
to leave before three o'clock this morning. Then I was so tired I could 
hardly keep awake and was unable to rise before one o'clock this after- 
noon. Jules feared that the Ball would make me sick, but, aside from the 
fatigue I experienced then, I am perfectly well and feel entirely rested; 
but my poor husband ought to be worn out. In the first place, he could 
not enjoy himself much, as he does not dance, and then since eight o'clock 

* The Cross and Knighthood of St. Sylvester. 



118 BIOGRAPHY OF 

this morning be has been on bis feet, and has not been able to take a mo- 
ment's repose. I truly spent a very agreeable evening. There was an 
attractive gathering of well-dressed ladies, the music was good and every- 
body had the appearance of enjoying themselves. I missed only the first 
quadrille, because I had not as yet arrived. I danced all the rest, and 
even the Mexican quadrille, which is very graceful and very gay. I will 
teach it to my sisters when I go to Limours. Tiie Mexican officers gave 
me three little perfumed flowers, which I am keeping for Nancy, Toto and 
Tavie. This Ball was given in honor of the election of President Arista. 
It is said that another will soon be given, on the occasion of the marriage 
of General Avalos. I enjoyed myself so much at the first that I am in 
hopes of going to the second. One can obtain at Brownsville every thing 
requisite to arrange a very pretty toilet and I am so spoilt that I have only 
to mention any thing that I desire and I have it immediately. Decidedly 
I was created and placed in the world to be nursed and spoilt. It is a 
vocation that is not at all disagreeable to me. I receive all I wish, I buy 
every thing that seems good to me, and yet, when I think of your strait- 
ened circumstances and of the sacrifices which you are obliged to make, I 
regret leading such a peaceful and such a happy life, and I say to myself 
that I am not worthy of the happiness I enjoy. ' 

"On my arrival here I could not at first forgive Jules for having caused 
me to make a voyage which had caused the death of my child. I re- 
proached him with it and we were both very unhappy : but he has done 
so much to prove his love for me tliat I feel no longer displeased and I 
feel certain now that we can live together in perfect harmony. 

'■'■ February 1th. — No boat as yet. It is feared that it was lost during 
the last Norther. I am enjoying good health as also Jules, and I wish I 
could be sure that you are all likewise. Unfortunately, I do not know 
when I shall have news of you, and, as I fear you must be anxious about 
me, I will endeavor to send this letter by a schooner. 

"Good-bye, dear Papa and Mamma, Jules joins me in embracing you 
tenderly, also Nancy, Toto, Tavie, Marie, Dole, Uncle Callard, Aunt Mary, 
and all our relatives in St. Louis." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, February 14th, 1851. 
"Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

"The Globe has not yet left Brazos, on account of a strong Southern 
wind which prevents her departure. This gives me pain, to tliink that 
you will still be so long without news of us. 

"There is at Brownsville a poor English family consisting of father, 
mother, and three little children, in whom we have greatly interested our- 
selves. But for Jules I do not know what would have become of them ; 
he has already rendered them great assistance and is even now on the 
point of lending them again forty dollars. My husband has a noble and 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. II9 

generous heart and I hope that his charity will be blessed in our children 
if God will give us others. 

" Dear Mamma, I have just made a little bird pie ; but I doubt if it suc- 
ceeds as well as yours, for it is the first time that I have ever attempted 
it. Our poultry-yard succeeds marvelously. We have at this moment two 
broods of the most beautiful young chickens that one can imagine; our 
servant takes perfect care of them. I have really been very fortunate in 
finding such a woman at Brownsville. Her sole fault is she scarcely un- 
derstands any thing about the kitchen ; but then it gives me pleasure to 
teach her. I have shown her how to make an omelette to perfection, and 
this dish has formed our breakfast every day for the past week. 

" For an hour Jules has been eating up some bonbons which he bought 
for me, and I fear I shall not find a single one left when I have finished 
my letter. Please, therefore, excuse my shortening it. 

''Adieu, dear Papa, dear Mamma, I tenderl}' embrace you as also my 
sisters, Aunt Mary and Uncle Callard. 

" Your cherished child, 

" Mariquitta. 

" Februar)/ Ibth. — I wrote yesterday to Grandfather in English. It is 
my first attempt and Jules was enchanted." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Mother. 

"Fort Brown, Feb. 22, 1851. 
" Dear Mamma, 

" I have longed to write to you for sometime past, but I have been so busy 
with other writing, that I really am not always at liberty to do as I wish. 

" We have received many letters from you lately ; all good, bearing ex- 
cellent news about you. These letters do a great deal of good to my dar- 
ling little wife. We are charmed to learn you are all so well, that all is in 
a prosperous condition and that the refinery* is so successful. After so 
many dark, lowering clouds, so much sorrow, so many misfortunes, let us 
hope a brighter future is about to dawn for you. The good God is not 
inexorable, and when He sees we have learned to suffer with patience and 
that we are always submissive to His Holy AVill, lie no longer exercises 
us so rigorously ; for the lesson is no longer then necessary, it is only with 
an end to our spiritual advantage that He sends us crosses and trials. 

" Mariquitta has no doubt told you that she wrote to Mr. Rochereau to 
send you the $90 you had the kindness to destine for us. We do not really 
need it, and you have already done too much for her during her stay at 
Limours to permit our accepting that of which, you have so much more 
need than we. I would have told you so from the first, if I had not 
feared you would have attributed it to pride, and you would have thus 
been hurt. For this reason I have always abstained from speaking even 

* An enterprise Mariquitta's father had engaged in with his brother. 



120 BIOGRAPHl' OF 

to Mariquit(a, tliiis it is on lier own responsibility she returns tliis money 
to you. Do not tliink, however, my dear Parents, that we are less j!;rate- 
ful ; we fully appreciate this new trait of goodness and generosity which 
seems never to tire of thinkinj; of us. 

" I am very urateful, dear Mother, for the tender exhortations you ad- 
dress to my Mariquitta that she may be more submissive to the Divine 
Will, and that she become humble and penitent, to the only source, from 
which she nmy hope to draw true consolation. She now feels much purer 
sentiments on this subject, and I think if we only had a priest she would 
again be very pious and approach the Sacraments much more regularh'. 
Formerly she would not hear of pious reading nor of the Beads ; now each 
day she regularly says with me, when there occurs nothing to iiinder us, 
two pairs of Beads and allows me also to read to her a chapter of the Imi- 
tation.* Moreover, she is gayer, more playful, and God blesses our house- 
hold ; I think there are few husbands and wives who love each other with 
as much tenderness as we ; we are devoted to one anotiier, and we never 
now have the slightest quarrel; I will acknowledge it was not always 
thus. She becomes much Aviser, more reasonable, and / less rigid, less 
difficult. You will be satisfied with us when we arrive at Limonrs. 

" As for this, I am not yet sure as to the time, I have not heard a word 
about my Leave; but as I am sure they will not refuse it, I prefer it as it 
is; for I prefer not leaving before May or the last part of Juno. Though 
Mariquitta is somewhat of the same opinion, still I feel positively sure, 
once the Leave is in my hands, I sliall no longer be able to restrain her 
impatience. I do not think she will ever become accustomed to live so far 
from you, — she loves you so truly, — she loves too much sometimes for her 
own happiness; but it is impossible to begrudge her, and if her exquisite 
sensibility causes her pain at times it also procures her moments of the 
most intense happiness, — happiness which is unknown to colder hearts 
and less refined temperaments. 

" My paper is at an end, and I have only space to say, dear Mother, that 
I love you and Father witli all my heart as also my little Sisters and I 
long almost as much as INLiriquitta to be with you all, when I hope we 
will learn to know and love each other more and more perfectly. 

" Kiss every one for me and believe me always, 

" Your devoted Son, 

'"Jules." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, March 18th, 185L 
"Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

"We have just received yours of tiie 13th and 21st of February. Your 

news about Tavie, dear Mamma, has done me good. I was very anxious 

about the poor child. 

* The Imitation of Christ by St. Thomas a Kenipis. Julius read a Chap- 
ter of it every day. 



LIEVT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 121 

"Behold two boats, and yet Jules has not received a line from his fam- 
ily, he says nothing, but I know that he feels pained! If such a thing 
should occnr to me, I do not know what would become of me ; though I 
know well that I should not bear it as bravely as he does. 

" I have now to exhort you to practice a virtue which I have not myself. 
After the manner in which the matter has been arranged we shall not 
probably leave before the end of June or beginning of July, for which 
dose of patience it is necessary for me to provide. I was so happy in 
thinking that we should start next month ; but at least I shall be recom- 
pensed in another way for my submission to the will of my Savior and 
Master. In place of four months of Leave that he counted in the begin- 
ning on asking Jules applied for six months. Is not this delightful? 
From the tone of the letters he has lately received from San Antonio* he 
has decided on re-demandinfl; a militarv court and this is the cause of our 
voyage being delayed. He continues to entertain a strong hope of obtain- 
ing the reparation he desires. 

" The heat commences to be strongly felt. I see from your letters that 
it is not the same in St. Louis. If Jules obtains his furlough I can enjoy 
the next Avinter. I say enjoy, because I am thoroughly convinced that the 
cold weather agrees infinitely better with me than the hot. It is just the 
contrary with Jules, and it is truly unfortunate that there should exist so 
little sympathy in our temperaments. 

" Mrs. Chapman left last week for a two months' trip through Mexico, 
Miss Bennett will leave in the early part of next month, and I will there- 
fore be the only lady in the garrison, which will be passably annoying. 
The Captain of a boat offered to take me and Jules to go and pass fifteen 
days at Brazos, so as to eat oysters and crabs ; I do not think, however, I 
shall go, as I do not enjoy such parties. 

" I thank Marie for her good intention of writing and beg you to send 
me her first attempt. Dear little Dole appears to be very sagacious. I 
hope she, too, will not forget me. It seems to me that two months must 
have elapsed since I last heard from Toto and I think that she lias become 
charmingly lazy. Certainly a little boil ought not to prevent her writing, 
I will therefore accept no further excuses, 

" I am daily making cakes, I may say compelled to make them, because 
nearly every evening one or two officers, sometimes many, come to play 
cards with us, and it is the custom to ofier cakes and cordials. I wish to 
perfect myself in making pastry, during the three long months that still 
separate me from you, so that on my arrival at Limours I may be able to 
give a little feast to all the family. You will permit me, will you not? 

"I am now in excellent health, Jules also. I am gaining strength, my 
appetite is excellent, and I do not despair of arriving at Limours in a very 
plump condition. 

*Head Quarters of the Military Department of Texas. 



122 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"Adieu, dear Papa and Mamma, I embrace you tenderly as also my Sis- 
ters. 

"Your cherished child, 

"Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta^ s Parents. 

"Fort Brown, April 9th, 1851. 
** My dear Parents, 

"We received by the last mail yours of February 27th, but I have not 
had the time to answer it before this, being excessively busy with a Mili- 
tary Court of which I was constituted the Lawyer. 

"We know well how busy you are, my Father, and how little time yon 
have to write, so that we can always excuse your silence. Besides, be it 
you or Mother, it is one and the same, when the family write as regularly 
as they do; we have, therefore, no cause for complaint. I mj'self when I 
write, though my letter be addressed to the last one who wrote, intend it 
equally for all tlie family. 

" We were delighted to hear Octavie is rid of her cold, and that the rest 
of the family are well. The illness of poor little Celeste * considerably pre- 
occupied us, but we now have reason to hope she is much better. 

"I was so happy to know you Avere pleased with Mariquitta's last let- 
ters; it is not often she allows me to read them, but I had every reason to 
believe that the first she wrote from here were full of sadness. This sad- 
ness is now entirely passed, and, with the exception of bad dreams which 
she frequently has, she no longer looks upon the death of her son other 
than as a Christian Mother should. She is oirdinarily gay and laughing 
and rarely has the ' Blues', as she formerly had ; when after receiving 
excellent news from you, she would abandon herself to imaginary fears 
and foolish uneasiness, of which the foundation was probably a dream she 
had had the night previous, in which she saw one of lier Sisters sick, and 
again it would be a dark day or a clouded sky that would give coloring to 
her thoughts. It is true that seeing the effect this wccakness was having 
upon her health I Avas without pity for it; for these detestable Blues were 
always the cause of a dreadful nervous head-ache. But, happily, all that 
has passed away : I scarcely can remember when she last had a head- 
ache. Undoubtedly, her nerves were to blame, and, as she is now almost 
entirely recovered, I hope she will have no relapse. 

"As you observed, a perfect union now exists between us. I will 
acknowledge that in the beginning we had two or three very serious dis- 
putes. Mariquitta was in a dreadfully nervOus condition, and she ended 
by irritating my nerves so that I soon became as nervous as she. Thus 
when a difference arose between us it went far; but all that is buried in 
the past, and has been replaced by a solid affection and a perfect under- 
standing between us. 

"Since our marriage, with the exception of the last three and a half 

* Celeste de Coudroy de Lauroal, a cousin of Mariquitta's. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 123 

months, in spite of much love on either side, our happiness and union 
seemed never to be realized, both having passionate and proud natures — 
she accustomed to be spoilt by every one — I accustomed to receive applause 
for all I did — we clashed together frequently and quarrels consequently 
arose and each believed him or herself in the right and thought that the 
other lacked love. Time was necessary to close the gap and make us un- 
derstand each other ; but I never despaired and now all fears on that sub- 
ject are forever hushed and at an end; and we can now frequently laugh 
together over our old disputes. 

"x\s to my Leave it is still uncertain, accordingly I wish to prevail upon 
Mariquitta to leave soon, so as to make the voyage with her Grandfather.* 
The season is now favorable for crossing the Gulf, tliefe is a new boat of 
the Line, and its Captain's wife^ Avho is on a visit in the garrison since the 
last two weeks, is very fond of Mariquitta and will take every care of her. 
If she waits till I can go, she will only die of enimi, as, at this moment, 
there is not a lady left in the garrison and I, full of this Court, preoccupied 
and worried, would have a bad influence upon her. Whereas to go to you, 
would do her good, and now that her affection for me is so fully proved, as 
I have already described, I am no longer determined to keep her so rigor- 
ously near me. 

"Good-bye, dear and loving Parents, I embrace you with all my heart 

as well as my Sisters and remain 

"Your devoted son, 

"Jules." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, April 12th, 1851. 
" Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" I am awaiting a lady who is to remain with us two or throe days, and 
if she comes to-day I will probably have no more time to write to you by 
the Yarthf which starts Tuesday morning. I am a little annoyed at being 
obliged to receive this lady, whom I do not know from Adam or Eve; but 
these kind of services must be mutually rendered in the military life, and 
it would speak badly for Jules if he did not exercise hospitality like the 
other officers. I resign myself, therefore, with a good grace. 

" My poor Jules is always occupied ; I think it high time that he should 
have a Tittle vacation. He hopes to have some news to-day about his 
Court. He pretends that the moment he has some money he has a desire 
to spend it, and indeed this is only too true. He is so generous that I am 
obliged to check him. As I once wi'ote to you he gave a poor man at first 
eleven dollars, again forty-four, and again twenty-five, the whole sum 
amounting to eighty dollars. It is true that the last two sums were only 

* Her Grandfather was at the time in New Orleans, on a visit to his 
nephew David. 

t A steamer between Brazos and New Orleans. 



12^ BIOGRAPHY OF 

loans, but I am perfectly sure that they will never be returned and we 
may accordingly consider tho whole as lost. Unfortunately, our assistance 
only gave but little succor to the poor Richards. Their position has not 
become more brilliant and on the last occasion that we visited them they 
painted their misery in such sad colors that Jules again wanted to loan 
them money, but this time I hardened my heart and did not allow him to 
follow the impulse of his too generous heart; for if he employs so great a 
part of his mone^^ in this manner, we would finish by ourselves becoming 
very poor. It is true that having no children and being in the Army our 
expenses are not great. I beg of you, dear Parents, never to speak in 
your letters of what I have just written, because Jules would be displeased ; 
he does not like his good deeds to be revealed. 

'^ April ISth. — As the lady I was expecting has not yet come I profit by 
the occasion to write to you again. Miss Marguerite Bennett left this 
morning. Our y)arting greatly affected her. I am now the only lady in 
the garrison. Many would be delighted with my position, but since my 
marriage I have cared so little for the society and the attentions of men 
that I value very little such a brilliant position. 

" We intend spending one or two days next week at IMatamoras so as to 
follow the exercises of Holy Week, — at least Friday and Sunday, provided 
Jules be not hindered by his duties. His increased occupations and the 
heat have taken away his appetite, but I hope it will be restored at Limours. 

"Adieu, dear Papa and Mamma, Jules joins me in embracing you 
tenderly, also Nancy, Toto, Tavie, Marie and Dole. 

" Your cherished child, 

" Mariquitta." 

Mariqiiitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, April 16th, 1851. 
"Dear Papa and Maaima, 

" I am all alone for a few hours and I am going to pass some of this 
time with j'ou. In answer to my solicitations Jules consented to go with 
the other Officers to Matamoras to visit General Avalos. 

" There was general excitement in the garrison to-day. The Inspector 
General arrived the night before last, and this morning inspected the two 
Companies. Jules' Company merited his admiration, and wiien the parade 
was finished, he expressed to Jules in the most flattering terms the satis- 
faction his had given him. Since my arrival here it was always a source 
of great annoyance to me to see all the trouble Jules took with his 
Company ; but to-day he was amply repaid, he looks as happy as possible. 

" I insisted upon his going to Matamoras with the Inspector General 
and the other Officers, for it pains me to see him refuse all distractions and 
amusements that I cannot enjoy with him. I do not believe in a wife 
rendering her husband a slave to herself, and if mine is lovely enough to 
desire never to leave me unless duty calls, I should now and then show my 
appreciation of his love and devotion. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 125 

" AVliat I am about to tell you will greatly surprise you. We were very 
near leaving for California. The Governor of Texas. General Brooke, who 
has just died, was about to be sent to California as Commanding General 
of the Troops, and he was going to take Jules as his Aide-deCarap. It 
would have been a very brilliant and advantageous position, and yet if it 
had occurred I would have been very, very sorry ; for the distance that 
now separates me from you would have been nothing in comparison to 
what it would then be. 

"This resolution of General Brooke does honor to Jules and has gained 
for him renown, but at the same time the death of the poor General pre- 
vented his making Jules the formal offer, the acceptance of which would 
have made nie so unhappy. One of Jules' friends wrote to him by the last 
mail that an old* General, whose name I have forgotten, counts on asking 
Jules to become his Adjutant if he obtains command of the Regiment. 
AVith this I will be charmed, as it brings us East, and I will make the most 
sincere vows that the old General obtain this command. I tell you all this 
without the slightest fear of wearying you, fur I know how much you love 
my husband, and feel sure you will be always delighted to learn in what 
high esteem he is held in the Army. 

" April \Hh. — The days are very warm now, but from half past six the 
evenings are deliirhtful. 

" Our house is perfectly situated for summer, and if there be the slightest 
breeze we are sure to enjoy it, by leaving our doors and windows open, 

" April 20fh. — I am so happy to-day, Jules promised me this morning 
that if they do not give him his Court he will himself travel with me. 
What a difference in travelling with him from travelling alone ! 

"Dear Mother, I have just received yours of the 3rd of April, Tavie's of 
the 2nd, and Aunt Angele's of the 6th, and all the news is so sad, it is far 
from giving me bright and happy thoughts. 

"Jules no longer cares for his Court, for he now clearly sees what his 
Superior Officers think of his affair with Major Porter, and not wishing to 
overwhelm the old gentleman he prefers now that the Court should not 
assemble. I long to learn the decision about all this and to receive the 
Leave, for I am so anxious to go to St. Louis. 

" Last Saturday the Inspector General, Major Chapman and several 
other Officers took supper with us. 

" I cannot thank you enough, dear Mamma, for your regular cor- 
respondence. Not a single mail comes without one or two letters from 
you. They always do me much good and make our separation less 
painful. 

"Adieu, my dear Parents, Jules joins me in devoted love to you and 
our Sisters. 

" Your loving child, 

" Mariquitta." 

* Probably Gen. Walbach. 



126 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XL 

Arrival of Abbe Domenech at Brownsville — his remarks — the Jubilee — 
Mnriquittn's description of Julius' intense love for herself — her dangerous 
illness and bii'lh of Louise — Julius' beautiful devotion to Mariquitta, his 
pious resignation and devout gratitude to God upon her recovery — her 
promise to God to invite Abbe Domenech to take his meals with them. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, May 7th, 1851. 
" Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" What does it not cost me to live so far from you ! This separation 
prevents my being perfectly happy, especially when I learn that the * re- 
finery has miscarried. I think continually of your position, above all of 
my poor uncle's and I become very sad. 

" That lady of Avhom I spoke to you in my last letter is still here ; her 
child is very nearly the same age mine would be and the sight of it recalls 
so vividly my little darling. I cannot bear to see this child in the arms of 
Jules, for it seems to take a place it has no right to and I say to myself 
that it is only my Julio who ought to be there. He would now be so in- 
teresting. Ah ! why did he not die on that Sunday that he was suffering 
so muchl I had not yet learned to love him so devotedly and my sorrow 
would have been less painfully acute. 

" May \Zth. — Jules has a little fever since last evening; it is not much, 
still I long to see him on his feet. 

'• May \Ath. — I left my letter yesterday to receive a f priest who has just 
come to us. I am not particularly pleased with his manners, still the sight 
of him gives me great pleasure. 

"Jules had no more fever during the night, he has now risen. It is 
very ridiculous on my part to worry myself as I do, each time that he is a 
little sick; for all the officers of the garrison make fun of me and say that 
Jules pretends he is sick purposely to have me nurse him. 

" The Jubilee commences for us nest Aveek. It is so long since I have 
been to Confession that the idea of going soon costs me a great deal. 

" Adieu, my dearly beloved Parents. Jules sends you a thousand loving 

wishes. 

" Your cherished child, 

" Mariquitta.'" 

* An enterprise in which her Father and his brother Alexis had engaged, 
■j- Abb6 Domenech. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCUE. 127 

Abbe Domeuech, a young French priest, then recently or- 
dained, in liis subsequent description of" his " Missionary Ad- 
ventures in Texas and JNIexico," tells the following after his 
arrival as Parish priest of Brownsville. 

" The church of Brownsville rose opposite Brown's fort, in the midst of 
a wild, uncultivated, unenclosed country. The prcsb3'tery formed part of 
the building, which consisted of a square structure of four chambers, one 
being the sacristy; but there was not even a particle of furniture in it; 
and hence the first night I was happy to sleep on the boards. Next day a 
young officer of the garrison gave me a settee bed, bed linen, blankets and 
a few chairs, offering me also his table and his purse. I really had need 
of these kind offers, being almost penniless at the time, and I therefore 
gratefully accepted them. Without them I hardly know how I could have 
settled down in my destitution. This good officers name was Mr. Garesche, 
an excellent Catholic." 

He farther adds: 

" The news of my arrivivl soon spread among the riinchos around Browns- 
ville ; and reckoning upon a large auditory on the following Sunday, I got 
my letter of appointment translated into Spanish, adding a few words of 
invitation to my parishioners to come and see me, that I might thus the 
sooner learn the spiritual wants of their different localities. In reality the 
church was crowded with Mexicans, Europeans, and Americans, of every 
shade of religion. The reading of my letter gave them satisfaction, and 
from that day forth I had numerous visits. During the week, Monsieur 
and Madame Garesche were the only ones who visited the church. The 
fervour of the Catholics did not go quite so far ; but I rang the Mass bell, 
said the Mass and served it for the most p.art alone. To try how far re- 
ligious ceremonies might attract the people, I organized, in a hurried way, 
a kind of choir, and endeavored to celebrate the month of May with the 
ceremonies usual in France. May being nearly ended, my success Avas 
very poor; for out of a population containing about ten or twelve thou- 
sand, in the neighborhood of Brownsville, only twenty-five celebrated the 
Communion." 

Mariquiita to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, June 2nd, 1851. 
"Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

"Astonishing discovery, Jules Is suffering more than myself from the 
heatl He is becoming a little lazy and, I think, would like to excuse this 
imperfection under pretext of the heat. He gave me great anxiety for the 
space of eight days ; but his health is altogether restored and his appetite 
has returned. 

" We made our Jubilee yesterday. It is really shameful for the City 



128 BIOORAPHY OF 

of Brownsville to see the small number of Catholics who followed our 
example. Out of 7,000 or 8,000 Catholics, there were but 10 wiio made 
the Jubilee. This is rather discouraging for the young missionary priest 
who has arrived, but as he is very zealous and has engaging manners I 
am in hopes that he will re-animate the fervor of the Brownsville people. 
"When I leave Texas I will leave behind me the remains of the being 
I loved so well. Far from forgetting him I think of him constantly ; but 
I do not like to speak of him. I do every thing in my power to drive 
away his image; for, although resigned, I cannot still rejoice at having 
an angel in Ileuven. I know that there he is perfectly beautiful and con- 
tented ; but then he would also have been happy here, I loved him so 
much. He has left behind him a void Avhich can never be replaced for 
me. Since his death I have become superstitious. It seems to me that I 
have produced in Jules that same absorbing and passionate love that I 
bore my child and this thought at times terrifies me. I fear that it was 
on account of tliat too passionate love God took him away and that lie 
will punish me through it again, but at the same time I say to myself that 
God is too good to punish so severely the feelings I endeavor so hard to 
subdue and I ask Ilim frequently to purify and sanctify what is dis- 
pleasing to llim in my affections. A great consolation for me is the 
thought that the tomb of my child was placed in the Church, for it will 
never be profaned. Though for some reasons I did not like Father Tclmon 
I can never forget that 1 owe to him such a great blessing. Adieu, dear 
Papa and Mamma, I embrace you most tenderly us also my dear little 
Sisters, Grandfather, and my Uncles and Aunts. 

"Your cherished child, 

"Mauiquitta." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, June 13th, 1851. 
"Dear Papa, Dear Mamma, 

"I had the bines very strongly the other day whilst writing to you, and 
I am very sorry to have saddened you by my letter; but my heart Avas so 
heavy, on account of your painful position, that it was impossible for me 
on that day to hide from you how miserable I felt over your loss of fortune 
and the impossibility I found of being able to do any thing for you. It 
is, indeed, very painful to me to enjoy a comfort which you have not and 
to lead a life so sweet, whilst you are working so hard. I sometimes bear 
an ill will against Jules for not entering into all my ideas and I become 
enraged when he tells me that I exaggerate your embarrassed circum- 
stances, that you do not suffer as much as 1 imagine from your reverses 
of fortune; but, on reflection thereafter, I sec clearly that I am wrong in 
thus getting out of temper in such a case, for really I cannot ask my hus- 
band to love you as I love you and to sympathize with you as I, your 
child, should do. All that I have, all that I am, I owe to your tenderness 
and to your assiduous cares, whereas he has scarcely known you, and then 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 129 

only in a time of confusion. Since my return I am convinced tliat he 
loves you, as well on account of what you have done for me and his child 
as on account of the affection which you evince towards him in all your 
letters, and I do not doubt but that when he will come to know you in 
your interior and your very inmost feelings he Avill experience that ad- 
miration and that filial love Avhich you merit from such just titles and 
which I desire so much for him to see. 

'■^ June 24. — Jules is altogether happy to-day. The Court, which is to 
judge him, is in session since yesterday. It is no longer a chimera; but, 
in truth, I would have preferred that it should not have become realized. 
Here has Jules been in arrest for possibly four months, and although he 
says that he has experienced many annoyances during this time, I fear that 
in all probability he will lose the command of his Company, which brings 
him ten dollars per month. May it happen that after all he may not have 
to regret having insisted so strongly on this affair. The officers here are 
the ones who are his judges, and as they are all horribly disgusted with 
the conduct of the old Major, I cannot believe that they will find any thing 
prejudicial to Jules, and so much the more since lately two of them en- 
deavored to bring forward other charges against Major Porter. In fine, 
it is to be hoped that every thing will turn out for the best and that once 
the Court has terminated we can go to find you. Jules desires it almost 
as much as myself and, really, he has experienced so many vexations 
within the past year that he needs a period of repose. 

"Adieu, dear Papa and dear Mamma, I embrace you very tenderly, as 
also my Sisters, Grandfather, Uncles and Aunts. 

"Your dear child, 

'* Mariquitta." 

Mariquiita to her Parents. 

"Fort Bro^tn, July 7th, 1851. 
"My Own Darling Parents, 

"My long silence is to be attributed to quite a dangerous illness I have 
had. But since the last ten days I am in a state of convalescence, though 
still very weak. First, I had a very high fever which lasted from Sunday 
night till Thursday morning. The Doctor was compelled to make use of 
very violent remedies, and, after a great deal of suffering, I gave birth on 
Saturdaj' morning, June 2Ist, at five o'clock, to a beautiful little girl who 
lived six hours. She was baptized under the name of Marie Louise Octa- 
vie by Father Domenech, who was kind enough to allow her to be buried 
in the Church next her little Brother. I have had two children, but both 
have flown far from me. I have not even a hair of my daughter, I did 
not even embrace her. Immediately after her birth, she was carried far 
from me, and I had not the courage to ask for her. I knew she could not 
live and I did not wish to see her, fur fear of loving her. I had hoped to 
go to Limours, but alas ! ' Man proposes and God disposes ;' but away 
with all murmurs, for He has preserved me to those who love me. 

9 



130 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" How can I paint to you the feelings of my heart when I learnt from the 
lips of Jules that there was no lonj^er any hope, that I must resijjn myself 
to quit this world. To express the emotions that tortured me, would be 
impossible. To die without seeing j-ou once more, without receivinir; your 
last farewell embrace, without asking your last pardon for all the trouble 
I caused you as a young girl! No, God was too gDod. He saw it was 
above my strength, that my death would not be calm, and He granted me 
life. I wish to prove to Ilim my gratitude and be resigned to my solitary 
life; but it is so hard, the murmur is ever ready; I miss my children so 
much and feel more intensely our separation than I ever did before. I 
have need of seeing you again, my own dear Parents. Oh! my darling 
Mother, how hard it was to suffer without you near my bed, to take care 
of and console me ! No one can replace a Mother near the sick bed of her 
child, and above all a Mother like mine ; and yet Jules was all devotion. 
During the ten days of danger, he never left me an instant ; taking no rest 
and no food worth speaking of. I do not understand how he endured all 
this without falling sick; but, with the exception of having grown very 
thin, he is Avell ; but all the violent emotions he has gone through have 
left him very nervous. Oh! how sweet to be loved as I ain ! I have a 
husband who is goodness itself for me; a Fatlier, Mother, and Sisters who 
love me more than I deserve to be loved. With so much to make life 
happy, how can one blame me for wishing to live! 

"1 have often heard you say, dear Mamma, that when you were so low, 
you thought of God and Judguient and not at all of those you would leave 
behind. AVith me it was just the contrary, so I do not tliink I could have 
been so ill. A\'ednesday morning when Jules told me I was lost and de- 
spaired in consequence, I became bathed in tears; I felt my heart break; 
and I thought only of him and you. I clung to his neck with all my 
strength and I felt it impossible to leave him. Oh ! my dear Parents, 
without knowing him you cannot imagine what a treasure I possess as a 
husband! Since my illness I can better appreciate his worth. During 
the little sicknesses I had on my arrival here the Doctor was always mak- 
ing fun of Jules' fears and uneasiness, but I clearly saw this time that the 
great proofs of my husband's deep love far from lowering only elevated 
him in the eyes of the Doctor. One of the three women who nursed me 
told me yesterday that she hud never seen a husband love his wife so 
dearly. Though surrounded by strangers, I was perfectly nursed during 
all my sickness. The Doctor * was devotion itself; he came six or seven 
times a day and slept two nights here, in order to watch me more closely. 
He now understands my constitution perfectly. He says my fever had 
all the characteristics of Yellow Fever, except that I did not have the 
vomitings, 

* Dr. "Watson of Brownsville, the same who was called in during the ill- 
ness of little Julio. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 131 

^^Jidy \Oth. — Jules' Court suffered by my sickness, which caused it an 
interruption of fifteen days, but now the Court is going on well, in fact 
much better than Jules hoped. Old Major Porter frequently becomes 
confused, contradicts himself at each question put to him and thus gives a 
great advantage to Jules. If the old gentleman is not considered suffi- 
ciently culpable for trial, Jules will know within two months whether he 
is himself acquitted or not. If acquitted he will put in his application for 
Leave immediately and we will spend the winter with you. If, however, 
Mnjor Porter is tried, it will probably be in New Orleans ; and then, as 
soon as I arrive in that City, I will take a boat and fly to St. Louis. 

"I am now much better. To-day I was able to dress my hair quite 
prettily and make my toilet slowly. Jules was so glad to see me thus, his 
emotion was so sti'ong, that I saAV big tears course down his cheeks, and, 
after holding me in his arms for a few moments, he threw himself on his 
knees to thank God, I suppose, for my recovery. 

" He is now for me what I remember you were to Papa, dear Mamma, 
after his shipwreck. When he is obliged to leave me for a while on his 
return you would imagine we had been separated for years ; he embraces 
me and smothers me so with kisses. Yesterday I was wicked enough to 
count the kisses I had received during the day. 

"Oh ! how charming it is to feel alive and feel I am still of this world, 
when I was so near leaving it ! And then the love of my Jules makes me 
so happy and proud. Many a time during my illness I would say to hira : 
' Oh ! if my Mamma and Papa could see you now they would love you as 
much as their own children; you are so good, so devoted to your little 
wife, without you she would die.' 

^'■July \bth. — For the last five days I have been studying diligently my 
Spanish, I wish to be persevering, to prove to my husband I can be so 
sometimes. He is convinced my ardor for study will not last more than 
eight da3's, and I wish to show him the contrary. I am making great im- 
provement in English, especially during the last month, in which I speak 
nothing but this language. But, in compensation, I am forgetting my 
French ; Jules likewise. 

"Good-bye, dear Papa and Mamma, I could write twenty more pages, 
but I suppose you have more than enough. I embrace you tenderly, as 
also my Sistei's and all my relatives. 

" Your own dear child, 

"Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Parents. 

"Fort Brown, July 10th, 1851. 
" My DEAR Parents, 

"You cannot imagine to what anguish I have been a p:;ey for the last 
month, but, thanks be to God, for the last ten days or two weeks Mari- 
quitta is out of all danger and in a state of convalescence. To-day she 
played on her piano several times and can now walk about the house. 



132 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"A little before five o'clock on Saturday, the 21st of June, she was de- 
livered of a beautiful little girl, that I vfished to baptize at once, as the 
Doctor thought she could not live long. But she lived six hours ; God vfho 
had preserved her so miraculously already upon this occasion, did not will 
that she should lose her baptism, and it appears since, that my baptizing 
her was not necessary. Father Domenech, whom I had immediately sent 
for, arrived very shortly, and baptized her under the names of Marie 
Louise Octavie. Mariquitta had alwaj's counted on calling her Octavie. 
In the afternoon our little darling was buried; four young Officers carried 
the bier to the Church, and she was placed beside her brother by the kind 
permission of Abbe Domenech. I do not think that I shall ever be able to 
forget how sweet to my heart was the first cry of that little darling, that 
I feel I should have loved so much ! with, at the same time, the cessation 
of the moans and cries of my dear Quiquitta, which had so long torn 
asunder my heart ! 

"On the day Mariquitta was suffering so much she made her Confession 
and the next day received the Iloly Viaticum. From the very moment of 
that Confession she commenced to feel better and her convalescence dates 
from that day. 

" The doctor who attended her during all this illness is the same one 
who attended our little Julio. He is a young Irishman in whom we have 
the fullest confidence, and who has always shown himself a very good 
friend to us. lie is just now the physician of the garrison, the attending 
Surgeon being on leave. 

" Oh I how I suffered ! how I suffered during that sickness ! My dear 
Parents, I did not see one ray of hope of saving my wife, her death sen- 
tence seemed pronounced, and I did all I could to resign myself to the 
will of God. But when I thought of you, saw your desolation on learning 
the death of your daughter, felt you would reproach me for that life so 
dear, my courage failed, I felt I never could look upon you again. I 
thought I had suffered before in my life, but I never experienced any 
thing comparable to the desolation and despair of that time and now that 
it is all over I can plainly see the hand of God and the signs of His ever 
vigilant goodness. 

*'My Court is progressing nicely; they had the kindness to adjourn 
dui'ing the dangerous part of Mariquitta's illness. I am almost sure that 
they are already thoroughly convinced of my innocence. I shall have a 
brilliant acquittal. 

"I am sorry to learn that Toto is still suffering, but I hope, as you say, 
that her sickness is not serious. I sympathize with you very sincerely in 
all your trials, all your disappointments, but I always hope, and I endeavor 
to persuade Mariquitta likewise, that a better time is reserved for you and 
that it will not be long before it will reveal itself. God loves to aid those 
who placing all their confidence in Ilim courageously do what they can to 
aid themselves ; but He loves also to try them, to exercise their patience, 
60 that their reward may be greater hereafter. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I33 

" I must now bid you Adieu, my dear Parents, for my time is very 
limited. I embrace yo\x with all my heart as also my dear Sisters and 
Grandfiither. Give my loving regards to all the other members of the 
family and believe me ever 

"Your affectionate and devoted Son, 

"Jules." 

Extract from a Letter of Mariquitta to her sister Madeleine mentioning a 

promise she made God. 

" Fort Brown, July 16th, 1851. 
"Dear Toto, 

" Though I have received no letter from you for the last three months 
and though I owe answers to Nancy, Tavie, Mene* and Dole, still you 
shall receive the first letter, on account of your being just now an inter- 
esting invalid. 

" When I was very ill lately, I promised God that if lie would restore 
ray health I would in gratitude invite Father Domenech to take his meals 
with us. Thus he has been with us for more than two weeks." 

* Pet name of her sister Marie. 



134 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTEE XII. 

Julius' sickness — his absorbing interest and occasional disbeartonmcnt about 
his Court IMartial — application of General Walbach to have liim detailed 
as his Adjutant — Mariquitta's sadness over the loss of her children and 
longings to return to Limours with Julius — her resignation — termina- 
tion of the Court and transfer of Major Porter — Julius' and Mariquitta's 
subsequent nobleness to him — her present from Pope Pius (he Ninth and 
Julius' decoration from him of Knight of St. Sylvester through Father 
Telmon — Julius' great joy thereat and intention rather to sacrifice his 
ofBcial position than give it up — his application for Sick Leave — Abbe 
Domenech's remarks — Julius' departure on Sick Leave for Limours with 
Mariquitta — additional remarks of Abbe Domenech. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Bror'n, July 30th, 1S5L 
"Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

" I received this morning your letter of the 13th, and the thought of all 
the anxiety you have been. suffering on my account causes me pain. You 
have now no reason to torment yourselves about me, I was never so well 
since my man-iage, I have the appetite of a wolf and eat nearly all through 
the day. 

"Jules is just now suffering with dysentery, but it is his own ftiult, 
because he will do nothing for himself; still it does not prevent his attend- 
ing to his duties, and he is altogether absorbed in the composition of his 
defense. The Court drags along in a disheartening manner and I find it 
necessary occasionally to encourage my poor husband ; yet he is surer 
than ever of having a brilliant reparation, and I think therefore he ought 
not to torment himself about these details. I believe that the excitement 
he has been in during the past six weeks in consequence of this Court has 
occasioned his present indisposition. Nevertheless he looks happy at the 
turn his affair is taking and I sincerely hope that he will be altogether 
satisfied with its conclusion. lie received a letter this morning from one 
of his friends which states that G en. Walbachjn ade an application to have 
him detailed as his Aide-de-Camp. Jules fears that the application will 
not be granted and I shall then be very sorry, for I would much rather 
live in Baltimore than in Texas. 

" August \st. — The dysentery of Jules has departed and I am delighted, 
because I was very worried. The prosecution of the Court is finally ter- 
minated, Jules will commence his defense to-day and he hopes that it will 
proceed rapidly. The venerable Porter renders himself every day more 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. J 35 

despicable and all the officer;? here think that he will be tried in his turn. 
I have no reason to pity him, because for over a year his conduct has been 
intolerable. 

" August 5fh. — The Court of Jules is making rapid progress. He ex- 
pects to finisli this week vyith all his witnesses excepting Captain Hunt 
who is daily expected. If he, arrived yesterday by the Yarth then the 
Court's papers can bo sent to San Antonio next week, and as Jules will at 
the same time write for permission to deniand>his Leave of Gen. Twiggs, 
we can start liy the end of September, the best season to travel. If, never- 
theless, they do try the old Major, Jules would necessarily have to remain, 
as lie will be tlie strongest witness against iiini. Jules feared greatly that 
the Court would not allow him to set forth his too overwhelming proofs 
against the Major; but they have and have given Iiim full liberty and 
since his defense has commenced lie is in the seventh heaven, and I also, 
for it does me good to see him so liappy. 

" I do every thing in my power to drive away the Blues which so fre- 
quently will seize me. I study Spanish, I play on the piano many hours 
daily, in a word I try not to have an idle moment and I plainly perceive 
that it is the best means of dissipating the sad thoughts that will assail 
me, especially since my illness. The loss of my daughter was a cruel 
disappointment for me. I say disappointment rather than sorrow, because 
never having known her, scarcely seeing her, her death has not been a 
real sorrow. I regret her loss, and very sincerely, as I had hoped she 
would replace the void Julio left. However, let the Will of God be done ! 

" Forgive me, my dear Parents, for afflicting you with painful recollec- 
tions. I have done so almost thoughtlessly, but at least I can tell you that 
a great consolation in my last sickness was the knowledge that my dear 
little Octavie scai'cely suffered. She only remained in this world long 
enough to receive baptism and then went to enjoy an eternal happiness. 
During the time I shall still be far from you I am going to try and become 
sweet and patient and subdue my temper so well that I can rctilly prove 
to my Sisters I love them for ever. Nevertlieless, I think that since my 
return to Texas I have become a little better. The sorrows I have experi- 
enced have greatly changed my character and apparently for the best. I 
scarcely ever becouje angry with Jules and if a slight cloud should arise 
he dissipates it himself and almost instantly." 

Mariquitta to her Parents, 

"Fort Brown, August 15th, 1851. 
My dear Mother, 

'To-day is your* feast-day, and I went to Communion for your inten- 
tion and also for that of my dear little Sisters, who are likewise Maries. 
"Yesterday I spent a part of the afternoon in arranging the Altar with 

* Assumption of the Blessed Virgin. 






136 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Father Doinenech. In recompense for it I suppose he will bring me at 
dinner time a beautiful little picture. Jules would like to have the Irish 
priest, Father M. also take his meals with us. I have not as yet decided, 
though my conscience reproaches me with this want of generosity; but I 
trust I can soon resign myself, for I believe that the difference we m.ike 
between the two wounds poor Father M. Yet it is soiuewiiat annoying 
always to have strangers with you. It is true that my sacrifice will be a 
more meritorious one, still it will cost me dearly. 

"I have just received your letters of the 31st of July. Oli ! that I 
might go to you at once, my heart turns towards you, and yet I cannot 
leave my Jules! I can easily go now, as the departure of Capt. Hunt 
affords an excellent opportunity; but then I feel that I ought not to go, 
that I ought not to leave my husband. I am going to the Church to 
implore God to direct me. It would cruelly cost me not to go, and yet it 
would be even as great a sacrifice to go, even though I feel that Jules does 
not need me just now as you do, my dear Mother. He knows that my health 
is at present good and is therefore not anxious like yourself. His Court is 
progressing favorably. He is confident of being acquitted. Major Porter 
has received orders to leave the post and every thing is happening accord- 
ing to Jules' wishes. After suffering for some time his health has returned. 
It was his various annoyances which rendered him sick and the cause once 
passed the effects have also disappeared. Again, he might not receive his 
Leave. Moreover, I would not go to St. Louis but for two or three weeks. 

"I support the loss of my children much more philosophically than j-ou 
may imagine. It is true that sometimes the thought of them renders me 
for the moment sad, but ordinarily I am very gay. 

" A mother has so many sorrows, so many anxieties, that really when I 
consider the matter in a reasonable manner I feel that it would be better 
for me never to have children. You know how much I would love them, 
how anxious I would be about them, and how my anxiety would even 
render me sick. I know that my children are much happier in Heaven 
than they would ever be with me, they are ignorant there of the sufferings 
of this world. I am now altogether reconciled with my position, all the 
misgivings that overwhelmed me after the death of my Julio are gone; I 
can pray. I go every morning to Mass and try to become pious, and all 
this does me good. If I could but visit you with Jules I could wish for 
nothing morel Tliere are times when I really feel proud of having given 
two angels to Heaven. 

"August 2olh. — A night of rest and an afternoon of reflection have 
calmed me, and I think that it will be more prudent for me not to go with 
Capt. Hunt. The Court terminates to-morrow or the day after. Jules 
will then apply immediately for his Leave. We will have no objection to 
travelling in October or November. There is no danger to apprehend 
then, and besides with Jules I can have no fear. Courage then, m^- dear 
Mother, and do not worry yourself further about me. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I37 

"We are in raptures over the manner in which the affair of Major 
Porter has ended. Jules is so contented as to be almost crazy with joy. 
The officers of the t!;arrison are so delighted at the departure of Major 
Porter that in celebration of this great event they have been doing nothing 
all night but sing and drink. All the garrison is jubilant, 

" I am very glad tiiat Limours is commencing to yield you something. 
I have a great wish to see the improvements which have been made since 
my departure, but let us resign ourselves to the will of God." 

The Court-Martial convened at Fort Brown to investigate 
the causes of Julius' arrest found him innocent of all the Charges 
preferred, and his perfect innocence established the injustice 
and contemptuous behaviour of his Commanding Officer, Major 
Porter, were fully exposed. Julius was triumphantly acquitted, 
and the good news was hailed with joy by the entire garrison. 
The consequence of the matter was that Major Porter was trans- 
ferred by the Military Authorities to another Post, to the great 
joy of the officers and garrison of Fort Brown, who all detested 
him cordially for his many acts of tyranny. He was himself 
tried in Washington in 1852-53, for his unofficerlikeand wrong- 
ful treatment of Julius, and his old age alone saved him ; still 
he received a severe reprimand. 

Here is where Julius displayed so fully his unvarying charity, 
even towards this man who had made him suffer so grievously; for 
in speaking to his wife of the result of the Major's trial, to which 
he had been summoned as principal witness for the prosecution, 
seemingly forgetting all his own past injury and suffi^ring, he 
says, that he feels so very sorry for Porter, that after all he is an 
old man, and old men are sometimes very disagreeable, and that 
every one seems anxious to rid the Army of him, and it would 
be painful to himself to see this old gray-headed officer chased 
out of the Army, guilty even as he is. Moreover, when subse- 
quently the Major was sent to Fort Brown in charge of some 
troops and remained there a while in command of the Post, Julius 
and Mariquitta, seeing how lonesome he was in this garrison, 
where he was so universally detested, and that he appeared to be 
sorry for his past conduct and anxious to become friendly, made 
it a point whenever they met him on the streets of Brownsville 
always to speak courteously and never to allude to the past, and 
thus his forced stay in Fort Brown became a little brighter. 



138 BIOORAPnV OF 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, xYugust 29th, 1851. 
" My dear Papa and Mamma, 

"I had tlio liiippiness to go to Communion this morning, and I can 
assure you I prayed fervently for you and my little Sisters. 

"Captain Hunt must now be near New Orleans; and I grow sad when 
I tiiink I also could he so much nearer you ; and yet I applaud myself for 
having had the courage to have renounced so tempting an opportunity, for 
without me my poor Jules would be too lonely. You, dear Mamma, have 
Papa and my Sisters to console and distract you ; but during my absence 
who would take care of Jules if he were to fall sick-, and unhappily his 
heaUii is not as robust as it used to be? I can assure you, dear Mamma, 
it required very strong reasons to prevent my flying to you when I learnt 
by your letters of August 2nd and 4th how anxious you were for my 
return, and how worried you were about my health. 

"I would love to write to you every week, but that is impossible, for I 
never know when the Steamers sail. 

"Nancy was 19 lately and I am in my 22nd year. Are you aware that 
we are growing old? We are no longer children but grown up people, I 
especially, I feel as if I were thirty. 

"Father Domenech has given me a purse; and I take up the Church 
collection regularly. This morning at Mass I took up quite a good con- 
tribution. 

"I must stop till to-morrow, for Vespers time is drawing neai\ 

" Sept. \st. — I am much better, and if I could but spend the Avinter at 
Limours, I feel tliat I could regain the health and roundness of my girl- 
hood, still I am resigned to the Will of God. He knows better than our- 
selves what is good for us and when I speak seriously with Jules or to 
myself I think we ought to be delighted that the happiness of our children 
is insured, and not regret tliem any more. I feel that with them for our 
intercessors in Heaven, we can never be lost, for God always listens to the 
prayers of his little Angels, and would my Julio forget me? Oh no! it 
is impossible ! 

" Sept. 5th. — I commenced reading the poem of ' Roland the furious', 
but I do not think I shall continue it, for it is written in too exairgerated 
a style. Father Domenech has some vevy interesting books which he lends 
us. The otiier day he lent us ' Les Trois Mousquetaires.' Jules found it 
so beautiful he read it in one day, but I had tiie courage to return it with- 
out reading, fearing it would cause me to neglect my Spanish. 

" Sept. 6th. — Thanks to Father Telmon, Jules has been created by His 
Holiness a ' Knigiit of St. Sylvester'. lie is charmed with this great honor 
and intends doing all he can to obtain permission from Congress to accept 
it. He told me this morning that if as an Officer he could not wear this 
Cross he preferred resigning from the Army and undertaking some other 
profession or career; for as an American Officer he can receive no present 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I39 

from a foreign Court. Father Telmon is going to give me a handsome 
pair of beads which the Pope is to bless for me. 

" Adien, my dear Parents, I embrace you most tenderly as also my Sis- 
ters, Grandfatlier and Uncles and Aunts. 

" Your o^yn devoted child, 

" Mariquitta." 

Julius was the first and only American citizen who ever re- 
ceived tills Cross and Knighthood of St. Sylvester, and up to the 
present date, 1886, no other American has been thus honored. 

Beintx doubtful as to whether under the Constitution of the 
United States he could as an Officer of its Army receive and 
retain this Decoration of Pius the Ninth he wrote to his brother 
Alexander, a distinguished lawyer in St. Louis, now the Hon. 
Alexander J. P. Garcsche, LL.D., for his legal opinion. The 
answer was in substance that he could, since it did not denote a 
title of nobility but of religious honor. Julius had, however, 
made up his mind that he would rather resign than give it up, 
and from now to the moment of his death he alwavs felt the 
greatest pride in this Pontifical decoration. 

For explanation of the Cross and Knighthood of this illus- 
trious Order see Chapter XLV. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, Sept. 24th, 1851. 
" My DARI.1NG Parents, 

*'For a while I thought that instead of writing to you I would have the 
pleasure of surprising you with a visit, but unhappily the reality has not 
justified my hopes. Jules continuing to be sick, always suffering with 
derangement of the stomach, Doctors Jarvis and AVatson had both given 
him a Sick-leave, thinking that a change of air would be beneficial ; but 
Captain* Phelps, the Commanding Officer of the Post since the departure 
of Major Porter, will not take the responsibility and says Jules is not 
sufficiently sick to require a Sick-leave, in short he refuses his approbation. 

''Jules has written again to General Twiggs to ask for a Sick-leave and 
Doctor Jarvis has strongly endorsed his letter, so we will certainly leave 
very soon, either with this Leave or with the one we have wanted for so 
long. AYe may not be able to go before a month, but this time we will 
positively go, and this would amply satisfy me if I had not received this 
morning your letter in which you speak of the serious illness of my little 

* Capt. J. W. Phelps. 



140 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Sisters. I partly reirret not having gone with Captain Hunt and }^et what 
would my poor Jules have done without me while he was sick ! Doctor 
Watson gave him yesterday powders that have been very beneficial. He 
is better to-day than he has been for some time. 

" Being almost sure that we will start by the next boat Jules wished me 
to pack my trunks, but I have been disappointed so often that I have not 
the courage to commence this work until I am sure of our going. 

" Poor Father Domenech, who has been sick for these last four days, 
received to-day very afflicting news about his ftxmilj-. He has lost his 
Grandfather, Father, and one of liis Sisters. I sympathize with him far 
more, knowing from Avhat you say how near I came to losing one of my 
little Sisters. 

"I must now close, for the carriage is at the door, and it is better for 
Jules to go carh' to his drive than late. 

** Sept. 25th. — Jules says if after his Leave he be ordered back here he 
will leave me with you. What do you think of that, dear Mamma? You 
must excuse him for not writing, for since his Court is over, he has con- 
ceived a perfect horror for writing and spends much of his daj' in reading 
ligiit Literature, to rest his brain and help him forgot this affair of Porter. 

"Good-bye, dear Papa and Mamma, kiss most affectionately for me and 
Jules my little Sisters (especially Tavie and Dole who have been so sick), 
also Grandfather and all the fiimily. 

" Your affectionate daughter, 

"Mariquitta." 

Abb6 Domenech again says : — 

" One morning I was roused very early to administer the last Sacra- 
ments to one of the best Catholic ladies of Brownsville, Madame Mari- 
quitta Garesch6, wife of that good artillery officer who on my arrival had 
offered me his purse, his house, and his best services. I was attached by 
ties of devoted friendship to those two superior natures, who loved me as a 
brother. Madame IMariquitta, as I used to call her, had lived a long time 
in Paris, at the Convent of St. Clotilde. When at Brownsville, I usually 
sat at the table of my good friends, with whom I had many a conversation 
about my distant native land. On the occasion of my illness, Madame 
Garesch^ bestowed on me all the tender cares of a Sister of Charity; so 
that it was with the most profound emotions that I aduiinistered the last 
consolations of religion to this holy soul, full of resignation, who had so 
often aided me." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, October 7th, 1851. 
" Dear Papa and Mamma, 

"We were greatly disappointed this morning. Not a word about the 

Leave and not a line from any of you. Happily, your last letters were 

excellent and that thought assisted me to bear my disappointment. The 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 14I 

greater part of our packing is done and we firmly hope to be able to start 
by tliis boat. 

"The health of Jules ia not much improved. One day he is well, the 
next sick. Tiie medicines have done him no good and the doctor will give 
him no more ; for he assures Jules that it is his worry of mind which causes 
his present sickness and that he only needs a change of air to recuperate. 
My poor husband is so demoralized by these delays, that he told me this 
morning, if he only had something else to do he would tender his resigna- 
tion. To see him thus makes me dreadfully unhappy, still I know that his 
sickness is not dangerous, though it is very severe. Poor man ! he has 
during the past year experienced here so many vexations and trials that it 
is absolutely necessary for him to leave this place. 

"Jules has just returned from the doctor's and brings me good news. 
He is almost sure that we can start by the first steamer. The doctor has 
said that we must prepare ourselves, and I am in hopes that when you 
receive this letter we will be already at New Orleans. The Fannie will be 
here, I think, on Monday and we will have time to place every thing in 
order before our departure. I count on you, my darling Parents, and on 
my good little Sisters, to make my Jules forget all his miseries. 

" Since the hope of starting next week has returned I feel that my cour- 
age has also returned, and I am going to continue my packing. I trust we 
will find you all well. Grandpapa and Jules can mutually console them- 
selves. The temperature commences to be refreshing, an excellent thing 
were it not for the dampness of the atmosphere, which is very prejudicial 
to Jules. 

" I shall not write at greater length to-day. Since I think of my going 
I feel as if I could write no more, that I have nothing to put on paper, that 
only in talking I shall be able to satisfy myself. 

" Capt. Phelps has finally given the Leave and we will start by the first 
steamer. 

" Adieu, ray dear Parents, Jules joins me in tenderly embracing you as 
also our dear Sisters, Grandpapa, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins. 

"Your dear child, 

" Mariquitta." 

On October 16tli, 1851, Julius left with his dear Mariquitta 
for Limours, on Sick-leave. He was very ill with the Texas 
dysentery. 

Abbe Domenech herewith adds : — 

" Sorrow and sadness just at this moment fell to my lot. My cherished 
Jules (Mr. Garesche) left for the United States. In the friendship of this 
pious Christian, so full of lively faith, I found much encouragement and 
consolation. His conversation was full of unction, and engaging beyond 
expression. Solitude has always been to me a sombre veil, spreading 



142 BIOGRAPHY OF 

darkness and bitterness over my thoughts. Often-tiraes the best constituted 
and most devoted natures require to attach themselves to something sensible, 
in order to shake off the lassitude of the soul. The mind cannot be always 
on the stretch, as it soon wears itself out. When you return from a long 
weary journey, the soul feels sad froni the suderings which it has aided to 
console, — the body is weighed down by privations that it cannot escape. 
At this moment the flower which you love, whose growth you watcii, and 
■which you water with due care nioruing and evening — the bird that war- 
bles its joyous song on your gable — the faitliful dog that watches your 
return with plaintive whining, are not enougii to drive away this natural 
melancholy brought on by solitude. I was, therefore, deeply attached to 
this holy couple, tried so much by sickness. Twice was Madame Garesch6 
brought to the brink of the grave; and twice did she escape, contrary to 
all tlie expectations of professional skill. 

" During our hours of freedom, Mr. Jules and his wife used to come and 
pass some time beneath the porch of my cottage. To tiie happiness of 
speaking my mother-tongue, while breathing the pure temperate air, em- 
balmed with the fragrance of tropical nights, was added the advantage of 
drawing from' the fountain head important information, regarding the 
countries which Mr. Jules had for a long time inhabited. At my age, 
these conversations had still for me the charm which the outpourings of 
friendship bestow upon tliose in whom years, evils, and experience have 
not weakened, and destroyed one by one their dearest illusions. My bur- 
then was often enough rather heavy for shoulders so young ; and some- 
times God allowed me to fall into faintheartedness, as if to sliow that He 
alone is the Consoler Supreme, the Master of all hearts, and that in Ilira 
alone I ought to place all my confidence, from llim draw all my strength. 
Unfortunately, in the midst of trials, my eyes were not always turned 
towards Heaven. Sometimes they sought the earth, to find there a sup- 
port. I found it in the pious hand of this friend, and seized it with all 
the energy of which I was capable. These evening entertainments were a 
kind of antidote against this singular lowness of spirit, the offspring of 
solitude, which I could not shake off. In the heart of my dear Jules I 
found strength and courage, which Providence seemed to deny me, to 
make my labor more meritorious. 

" I have never imagined that the priesthood was a mechanism which 
was to work coldly and regularly like a clock. Charity and love of human 
kind ougiit to be the moving springs of action with a priest. Such are 
often the tests of success in the apostolical ministry. St. Francis Xavier, 
St. Francis de Sales, St. Vincent de Paul, and so many other apostles of 
human nature, have converted whole nations, by pouring into their words 
and actions the treasures of charity, that glowed in the focus of their own 
ardent bosoms. A priest who would act differently from these illustrious 
models would preach to a desert, he would beat the air and his ministry 
would be void. But if charity of the heart is the principle of zeal, it is 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 143 

also the source of a thousand miseries to him who attaches himself too 
much to the people whom he evangelizes. To keep up tliis sacred fire of 
charity, and direct it to the greater gloi'y of God and the profit of our 
fellow men, a strength is required which is found only at the foot of the 
crucifix. That encouragement is requii-ed, which is found chiefly in the 
perusal of the history of apostolical men, and in the devotedness of a 
pious affection. 

"Jules had been, then, to me one of those beings wliose parting leaves 
in the soul a void hard to be filled up. The day of his departure arrived. 
I embraced him in a flood of tears, and parted, never to see him more. 
His pious consort, yet hardly over the efiFects of her late illness, accom- 
panied him. She was anxious to go and pray over the tomb of her two 
children who died in the cradle, and were interred in the Church, but was 
prevented by unforeseen circumstances. At the moment of parting, she 
made me promise to discharge this pious duty for her by proxy. 

" Sadly did I enter my house, to be cheered no longer liy the visits of 
my friends. As night came I went to the Church, feebly lighted by the 
pale ray of the moon. The breeze was hushed ; the birds slept in their 
nests; all nature was plunged in profound silence; while I directed my 
steps towards the tomb of the two little angels to fulfill my promise. 
Alas ! It is only mothers who can weep over the bliss of their little ones, 
while their innocent souls enjoy an eternal happiness in heaven. Poor 
mother! she rifeed not visit those two tombs over which I knelt in prayer, 
and wiiich so often witnessed her prayers and moans. I could not pray 
for the angels whose bliss was secure; but I did pray for all mothers 
whose blind tenderness for their children is often cruel in its results — fatal 
tenderness, which fills the world with misery, and inundates it with vice. 
Thus did I discharge that debt of maternal piety. Tears bedewed my 
cheek ; for I remembered that in France, I too had cherished tombs, on 
which, perhaps, I should never leave the impress of my knee. I remained 
a good while, my head resting on my liand, my eyes turned towards the 
Altar, plunged in an al)yss of reflections, each sadder than the other. I 
had a friend, and God was pleased to take him from me. Thereby, no 
doubt. He wished to disengage me from all those earthly comforts on 
which I loved too much to lean. 

" Since, henceforth, God was to be my only guide and support, I prayed 
Him with fervour not to abandon me. When I returned to my room, 
though still dejected, I was, however, calm and resigned. I bethought me 
of that incalculable amount of suffering that is spread over the earth, and 
which a prayer, a look towards heaven, renders so light." 



144 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Birth of Marie — Julius' summons to Washington as principal witness in 
Major Porter's trial — his visit to Mr. Bernoudy en route and narrow 
escape from death from a R. E. train — his arrival in AVashington, sick- 
ness and kind attentions of friends — visits Dentist — his description of his 
daily routine while in Washington— recommendation of last National 
Council of the U. S. — Julius' pity for Major Porter — postponement of 
the Court and his return to Limours. 

On arriving at Limours Doctors Boislini^re * and Reyburn, 
leading physicians of St. Louis, were called in, and though the 
Texas dysentery is said to be incurable, Julius' cure was never- 
theless effected. 

On May 2nd, 1852, Mariquitta gave birth at Limours to her 
third child, Marie, baptized after herself Marie Louise Char- 
lotte. 

In the latter part of the following September, while still on 
Sick Leave, and convalescing, Julius was unexpectedly called to 
Washington as principal witness in the Court- INIartial of Major 
Porter. The Order did not state why he was summoned and it 
was only at Baltimore, en route to Washington, he learned the 
reason, to give his testimony as witness. He arrived on the 2nd 
of October and wrote to Mariquitta that the Court would prob- 
ably last for some months, as it was necessary to summon wit- 
nesses from Texas. 

His own letters can best describe this period. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Bellevue, near Louisville, Friday evening, 
Sept. 24tli, 1852. 

" Mv LITTLE DaRLIXO, 

"I arrived at Louisville this afternoon, after a journey of three days 
instead of two. Since the packet for Cincinnati does not leave before to- 

* Dr. Boisliniere was the cousin of Mariquitta and very intimate with 
her family, and Dr. Reyburn (Thos. Reyburn) was the family physician of 
the Garesche family. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I45 

morrow morning at ten o'clock, I profited by the delay to make a visit to 
the Bernoudys. 

" My trip from St. Louis was rather monotonous, knowing no one on 
board except the Captain, and, altliougli we had quite a number of pas- 
sengers, I in no way desired to strike up an acquaintanceship with them ; 
so I kept aloof, passing my time in reading, walking, or plunging myself 
into reveries of all kinds. Low water and fogs were the cause of our 
delay. The 'Fashion' is an excellent boat, perfectly commanded, and the 
Officers as well as servants were most polite and obliging. Up to the pres- 
ent I am perfectly well, not the slightest touch of fever, not the slightest 
indisposition. 

" It is late, all are asleep and I am growing sleepy. I have not yet said 
my Beads nor my prayers, and thus I fear my expressions will be far from 
choice. 

"Arrived in the city I tried to hire a carriage to go to Mr. "'^'Bernoudy's, 
but it Avas impossible to come to an understanding with the coachmen. 
They all objected, owing to the reparations of the road, except for the most 
fabulous sums. At last I decided to make the journe}' on foot. I started 
at half-past six and it was nearly dark when I reached the place of which 
the coachmen had spoken, an infamous place, compared to which fCaron- 
delet Avenue is a real 'Via Appia.' Picture to yourself a road descend- 
ing four, five, and sometimes six feet below the level of the road proper ; 
mud here, mud everywhere, and all this encumbered with wagons and 
carriages. Finally, I was beginning to lose myself when a darkey, driv- 
ing a brick-cart which had been carrying bricks all day, offered me a seat 
beside him till we had passed over the worst part, and I gratefully 
accepted. He took me about a hundred steps, he was going no farther. 
I dismounted and continued my way on foot. A little while after a coal- 
man offered me a place, but thinking I was nearly there I contented myself 
by thanking him for his kindness. I was always walking and was about 
to arrive when I heard a peculiar noise, somewhat like a mill. As I ad- 
vanced the noise became more and more distinct and I finally recognized 
it to be a train of cars. I then recollected that on my last visit to Mr. 
Bernoudy he showed me a llailroad they were building near him and, as I 
remembered, similar to this road. But what confused me was that the 
noise grew louder and louder and appeared to be coming directly on me. 
I looked in vai"n on every side, I could see no rails, neither could I see any 
cars coming: and yet the noise grew more and more formidalde, and Avith 
every appearance of coming on me that I asked myself, 'if that could be 
possible?' I looked on each side of the road, but neither side offered any 
security. I then saw a fence near the road and a little more elevated ; I 
thought it would be more prudent to climb it and see where the cars were 
and assure myself if I were in any danger. No sooner thought than done 

* A relative of Julius. f A street in St. Louis. 

10 



146 JBIOGRAPnr OF 

— scarcely had I climbed it when the cars whizzed over the veri/ spot I had 
just that instant left. Had I remained an instant more I certainly would 
have been crushed ; for, in tiie first place, where I stood there was an in- 
tersection of the railway with my road, and thus I would not have been 
able to see the cars until they would have been directly on me, and then 
it would have been too late to save myself; and secondly, owing to the 
darkness, my ignorance of the locality, not knowing which way to turn in 
the face of the terrible danger, I might have become confused and remained 
glued to the spot. This is the second service my Guardian Angel has 
rendered me within a short space of time. You see he watches over me, 
therefore do not worry about me ; remember that he loves me even more 
tenderly than you, and has much more power to protect me. 

"After all this I naturally did not arrive till late. But I received the 
warmest of welcomes, even my relatives of the East, who love me so dearly, 
could not have received me with more affection. 

" They immediately prepared for me an excellent supper. Mr. Ber- 
noudy gave me his grapes, his Catawba wine, which is of three years 
standing and is delicious ; he also gave me cotfee made with brandy which 
he also has nuvde at home. It is limpid as water and better than any 
Kirchwasser I ever drank. 

"I must now say good-night, kiss my little darling again and again for 
her papa, as also your sisters, parents, and all your family, and also mine 
when you see them. I think often of you, my darling, and would dearly 
love to kiss you. 

" Good-bye, dearest, 

"YourJcLES." 
Julius io Mariquitia. 

" Washington, D. C, Thursday, October 7, 1S52. 
"Dear little Wife, 

"Your first letter of the 23rd and 24th of September reached me and 
you do not know the pure happiness which I enjoyed in its perusal, and 
since, — in seeing your old tenderness revived, that tenderness which had 
remained so long slumbering, but which was to me so dear, and of which 
I felt so keenly the privation. Ah ! my little wife, you have given me a 
great pleasure. 

" Now, do not commence to torment yourself on account of my absence, 
and, especially, renounce your idea of coming to join me ; when even were 
you to come East, it is very doubtful if you could rejuain with me ; for at 
Old Point the Hotel is open only during the Summer, the season is nearly 
finished, and there is no other resource. As for myself, alone, I should 
have no difficulty, for I should live in the garrison with some one of the 
officers. Moreover, it is impossible that you could make this long voyage 
at this season of the year in the delicate state of your health. The Court, 
perhaps, will not last longer than one or two months, and, at the end of 
that time, I could return to j'ou. Every thing, therefore, opposes your 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 147 

departure, added to which I am unable to pay your trip ; my own costs 
me but too much. It is necessary, accordingly, for yM\, dciir little one, to 
renounce it absolufeh/. You have nothing to (car for me, I am surrounded 
by old friends, who would not neglect me ; I can be taken in four and a lialf 
hours to Eden Park, where I am loved almost as much as Bauduy, who 
is, however, the darling of the family. There I would be nursed just as I 
would be at my own Mother's or at yours. So, then, do not worry your- 
self, my little one, for it would be useless. Moreover, I have already been 
sick, and can give the proof of what I assert. Traveling entire days in the 
cars, shattered as I was in health and with my disposition to intermittent 
fever, occasioned me a relapse. This seized me at Baltimore, and all 
night I had fever, and the next morning I felt very ill at ease; but, after 
having breakfasted, this feeling passed away. I then started for here and 
the fever returned: I experienced it, at moments, the entire day, but, not 
having as yet felt the least shivering, I attributed it to fatigue and did not 
give it any attention. The next day, Sunday, I felt worse than ever, and 
experienced a sort of interior cold ; this augmented in proportion, still I 
went to Mass, but found it impossible to remain there long. I felt that 
I was soon going to vomit and I was accordingly obliged to leave the 
Church. 

" J/oH (?«//, October 11.— rFinally, my own darling, I can return to chat 
with you. I was interrupted; the * Judge Advocate General returned to 
the City and came to see me, and I wished to place myself at work imme- 
diately. I had but little time to do this, because, in order that I migiit be 
tlioroughl}' cognizant of the whole aflair, it was necessary for me to read 
all the evidence of my own trial, and after that to compose the leading 
points of the accusation, which should be sheltered from all cavillings, and 
with the visits which have succeeded one anotiier Avitliout cessation, I have 
scarcely had a moment's time to myself for these past few days. But, for 
the time being, I am free. The Judge Advocate General came to see me 
again this morning; I delivered my work to him, and he appeared very 
well satisfied with it, and I ought not to see him again, until after 
to-morrow. 

"To return to where I was interrupted, — on leaving the'Church, Sun- 
day, I was forced to go to bed, after having sent iov the Doctor. lie is, so 
it is said, one of the best in the Army, the Physician of General Scott and 
of all the great ones of the Army, who are living in Wasliington. He was 
not long in placing me again upon my feet; although, at first, I was un- 
able to take any remedies, I had such a disposition to vomit. It seems I 
had a great deal of bile on the stomach, and, since I have gotten rid of it, 
I have felt infinitely better. Two of my friends nursed me with a great 
deal of affection and care, and one of them having found for me a Catholic 
boarding house, on the next morning, Monday, I caused myself to be 

* Major John F. Lee, who became a warm friend and ardent admirer of 
Julius. 



148 BIOGRAPHY OF 

transported tliere. I have a fine room here, and a Church right opposite, 
also a Jesuit College, where I discovered one of ray old Professors. There 
are two Catholic families among the boarders, of whom one, relatives of 
my friend, tLay, has shown me a real friendship and had a great deal 
of consideration for me whilst I was sick. The chief of the other, is one 
of my old acquaintances at College. The mistress of the house also shows 
me many little attentions; every day, because the Doctor had on one occa- 
sion ordered me some oysters, and she believed, in consequence, that I 
liked them, she has sent them for my ^ lunch. ^ 

"On Tuesday night I had another attack of fever, but it has not ap- 
peared since ; the Doctor came to see me every day, as also many of my 
friends. Upon the whole, it is impossible to find oneself better placed 
than I am. Remember, that God always watches over those whom lie 
loves, and I have received too many signal graces from His paternal hand, 
not to feel assured of His protection : — may His Holy Name be forever 
blessed! Among those, who came to see me every da}^ was f Gibbon; 
he asked me, as you may believe, news of yourself. He indulged in quite 
a fit of laughter, when I related to him your fright about my Order, and 
your idea that they were about to subject me to another trial. He could 
find nothing l)etter, than to go and repeat it, the following morning, to the 
Adjutant General, who, as he afterwards told me, laughed most heartily. 
Yesterday evening, he returned, accompanied by McCown, who inquired 
after you. 

" This morning, I had my teeth arranged ; Doctor Wotherspoon had 
recommended to me an excellent Dentist by whom, he said, General Scott 
had just had an entire set made. He is not the one who has the greatest 
reputation, but the other asks most outi-ageous prices. Mine is not very 
moderate; will you believe that he charged me $10 for filling a single 
tooth 1 It is true, that the cavity was enormous ; he placed so much gold 
in it, that, to use his own expression, he finished by fatiguing himself. 
lie wanted me to allow him to extract it, but, as he acknowledged that it 
might last me still some seven or eight years, I preferred keeping it, even 
at the price of $10. For moi-e than eight years, I have kept one beside it, 
that the dentist twice filled, assuring me each time, that I would do well 
to have it taken out, and that it could not last more than three or four 
years at the farthest : — however, he found nothing to do to it. lie paid 
quite a compliment to Edgerl}' and to Dr. Plantou of Philadelphia, the 
only two dentists, Avho, prior to him, have touched my mouth since my 
infancy: 'their work,' said he, 'is perfect.' In fine, he filled three other 
teeth, I believe, and extracted one ; and did the whole very nicely. I had 
recounted to him the affair of Ferdinand, so that he took his precautions 



* Capt. Geo. W. Lay of the Army. 

•f First Lieut. John Gibbon of Julius' Company, his junior, now called 
in as a witness in Major Porter's trial. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I49 

and, althoiif^h the root was exceedingly deep, I scarcely felt any pain. My 
bill was $23. And your teeth, dear little one? What have you done re- 
garding them? As I do not want to have your little mouth disfigured I 
would like you to replace those which are failing you ; but, for this, I 
would prefer your going to Hale, I have not suflicient confidence in Mon- 
treville. I shall write to Alexander to sell my Land Warrant and to give 
you the money, for you must be in need, and I have not a single cent, 
myself, to give you. 

"As I think that my closet will be occupied, I beg of you, to gather all 
the objects you will find in it and put them away in one of your trunks; 
for I have left many little things there, to which I attach a value. All 
the old shirts, as I j;old you before, you can give to the poor. 

" How is my little darling? Give her thousands and thousands of tender 
sweet kisses for Papa, who would dearly love to give them himself. 

" On Saturday, day before yestei-day, I was finally able to go to George- 
town College: I found many changes. I dined there. 

" It appears that our house in Texas is not occupied by any family. 
Gibbon received a letter yesterday from *Dungan, which he came to read 
to me, and it appears that Dungan occupies the half of our house, f Saxton 
is on leave; we expect to see him arrive here, as also Holmes, fi-om day 
to day. 

"Good-bye, my own little darling. Embrace your dear little Sisters for 
me, as also your Aunts and Uncles, and all your Cousins. Many kind 
regards to Mr. Desbonnes. Remember me also to J Peggy and % Eliza. 

" Wholly yours, darling, 

" Your devoted husband, 

"Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, D. C, Thursday, October 14th, 1852. 
" My darling, 

"Your dear little countenance is constantly before my eyes and I am 
unceasingly thinking of you. Not hearing from you I became a little 
worried since yesterday, because twelve days have passed since I received 
your first letter. But I am just now in receipt of your second, which tells 
me that you are well, inasmuch as you can go to the City to arrange your 
teeth etc. But my poor little Marie has had chills and fever, how it 
would have pained me to see her suffer! Dear little darling, what would 
I not give to kiss her and her Mamma! You are so constantly in my 
thoughts, my JMariquitta, that I would love to write to you every day. 
Yesterday evening I was greatly tempted to do so, but I had other letters 

* Second Lieut. Hugh E. Dungan of Julius' Company. He died at Fort 
Brown November 11, 1853. 
f Second Lieut. Eufus Saxton of the 4th Artillery. 
X Peggy and Eliza were servants. 



150 BIOGRAPHY OF 

to Avrite, and it was only tAvo days since I liad written to you, and besides 
I was feeling so tired that I finally renounced my wish, though much 
against my will. Kiss my little girl for me in thanks for the two phrases 
she wrote to me. 

" I rise every morning at half past six, so as to shave — the other day at 
seven. Though opposite a Church I have not yet been to Mass, for fear 
of the return of the fever in exposing myself to the damp air of the early 
morning. You see I am prudent; too prudent, I often think, and this 
prudence I sometimes reproach myself with as a weakness which deserves 
as punishment the return of that same fever I am so carefully warding off. 

" We breakfast at eight or half past seven. After breakfast I make my 
meditation, then pay a visit to the Blessed Sacrament, before which I say 
my Sacred Heart Beads : — then towards ten I go to the Office of the Judge 
Advocate General and stay with him all morning, discussing and arranging 
the accusations against Major Porter. This is a duty full of difficulties, 
but as you are not a law^-er I Avill not try to explain. * * * * 

'•To continue with my daily routine. Towards three, or half past, I 
return to mv boardinjr house, at four we dine: then, when the weather 
permits, I pay another visit to the Blessed Sacrament, I say my Beads and 
afterwards go to supper. I now take coffee every evening as a tonic as 
well as drink and until the present I have not noticed that it prevents me 
from sleeping. After supper I occasionally visit the Lays in their room, 
where I generally find every one that I know in the house ; sometimes I 
•write, at other times I read until half past ten when I retire. » * * * 

"Good-bye, my darling, I am well. Father de Blieck, formerly Pres- 
ident of the College at Cincinnati, told me the other day that the last 
National Council of the United States had recommended to His Holiness 
the abolition of four Feasts as also the Fast days of Advent, excepting 
Christmas Eve. There will thus remain in the whole United States but 
the four Feasts which the seven French Dioceses now observe. 

" Your devoted husband, 

"Jules." 
Julius to Mariqidtta. 

"Washington, Friday Evening, October 21, 1852. 
"Dear little wife, 

" I was exceedingly bus}' during the past week. I was required to pre- 
pare a sort of summary of all the necessary accusations against Major 
Porter, as also a treatise on the description of my defense. To do this I 
was compelled to read and re-read, or at least go over, portions of that 
long trial fully a dozen times. I wrote every night up to eleven o'clock, 
and even beyond. But, at last, thanks be to God, my task is finished this 
morning and I have nothing more to do. The Court-Martial is not to 
commence till the 25th of November, so as to give Capt. * Hunt time to 
arrive. 

*One of the witnesses for the prosecution. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 151 

"At times I feel a profound pity for this poor Giles. For although he 
is given every possihle cliance to justify himself, nevertheless everybody 
seems anxious to rid the Army of him, and it is terrible to see an old gray- 
headed man tiius expelled! especially, as I am commencing to believe, 
when he must be a little crazy. Poor man, he has very little chance of 
escape ! 

" It is not yet decided whether the Court will sit here or at Baltimore. 
As the Judge Advocate General is determined not to allow Major Porter 
to suit himself in the matter, nor allow him to protract things as he did 
during my Court, I cati hope that I shall not be retained here as long as I 
at first thought. But i-emember that I do not want you to come, my Mari- 
quitta ; because at the period when I must return, namely, in the middle 
of winter, the season will be too severe for you to travel with our child; 
and moreover, as I have already told you, I am unable to bear tlie expense 
of your trip, for I am penniless. 

"Adieu, dear little one, take good care of yourself. Kiss my daughter 
for me, and kiss especially that dear little hand which has sent me such 
sweet little letters. Embrace all at the house, as also the rest of the fam- 
ily. Yours for life. 

" Your devoted husband and affectionate 

"Jules." 

As the Court was postponed till the 25th of November and 
he had finished writinj; all his Testiiuouv and had nothinoj fur- 
ther to do, Julius returned to Liraours for the brief interval, to 
his darling wife and belov^ed baby. 



152 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Julius returns to Washington — his sorrow at being compelled to leave his 
Jlariquitta but noble sacrifice for the sake of duty — description of his 
trip — meets Father de Smet, the great Indian missionary — Father Fred's 
pleasure in seeing Mariqiiitta's daguerreotype and. promise to write to her 
— how an Oliicer on duty should travel. 

Julius to MariqnUta. 

" Xew Pike — near Cairo. Tuesday morning, 
November 16tli, 1852. 

" Mr POOR LITTLE WiFE, 

"If you felt as sad as I did yesterday evening, I pity you from the bot- 
tom of my heart. To leave you was like d,eath to me with the love I bear 
you, my darling; — what must it have been then after that unfortunate 
remark of * Ferdinand — seeing how you endeavored to make me postpone 
my departui-e — that you secretly accused me of lacking in affection. 

"The boat far from leaving in a half hour did not leave till sun down, 
in spite of ringing the bell every half hour and saying we were going to 
start immediately. Sad and discouraged I was beset by the temptation of 
postponing my departure till the following day, and nothing but the feel- 
ing of duty prevented me from doing so. This you do not understand, 
and yet if I have gained some reputation in the Army, it is due to the 
lidelity which I have always shown ; for I have done nothing brilliant 
during my career. As to what Ferdinand remai-ked. tiiat voyage was for- 
bidden ; in the tirst place, it would be only under the most favorable cir- 
cumstances that this trip can be taken in tive days ; secondly, as I am told 
that the upper Mississippi is already frozen over, it is very proba1)le the 
Lakes are also frozen ; and finalh', at this season on the Lakes, there is 
the double danger of encountering icebergs, or terrible storms. I would 
have risked too much in tempting this route ; if you understood better, my 
dearest, you would j-ourself be the first to forbid me. 

"Dear, dear little wife, I beg of you believe in my affection and my 
regret at leaving you ; I could not conscientiously remain any longer, 
otherwise I would njost assuredly have done so. 

"Kiss my dear, dear little daughter for me as well as all the family. 
"We are so near to Cairo that I must tell you good-bye. I embrace you 
tenderly, and I love you with all my heart. Write soon to give me good 
news about our own sweet child and to say you have pardoned 

" Your devoted husband, 

"Jules.'' 

* Ferdinand L., his youngest brother. * 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I53 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" New Pike, Wednesday, November 17th, 1852. 
" My own dear little Wife, 

'' I love 3'ou, I love you, I love you with all the love of my heart. AYith 
you and our little daui^iitor I have passed lately the happiest moments of 
my life. But as happiness is but fleeting in this life; how sad I have 
been since ! Your sad, sweet face is constantly before my eyes, and the 
thought of the mental pain our separation causes _you. My own dearest, 
you thought I did not love you sufficiently, since I could leave you so soon, 
you would not believe it was necessary ; and nevertheless I have just cal- 
culated that in order to arrive in Washington on the 23rd I will have to 
give up the idea of making the trip from Cincinnati to Pittsburg by 
water, as I had hoped, and instead take the llailroad, .vhich is much more 
fatiguing and disagreeable. 

"This is an excellent boat, and as it is not 'insured,' the Captain is 
prudence itself. The table is very good, probably the best of all the boats 
of this line. The servants are verj"- attentive, the state-rooms are pleasant, 
the bed and table linen very clean, and I have the ]ileasure of being alone 
in my state-room — an advantage I, no doubt, owe to Alexander's influence 
with the agent of the line; for the boat is full. There are, I believe, as 
many as four in some of the state-rooms. I am charmed in having for 
travelling companions. Fathers Murphy and *de Smet. Although there 
is an Episcopalian, a Presbyterian, and many Methodist Ministers on 
board, there reigns perfect concord among all these gentlemen. The amia- 
ble manners and the reputation of Father dc Smet make him universally 
liked wherever he goes. lie is nearly always surrounded by persons who 
eagerly listen to the narration of his travels among the Indians. 

"My darling little wife, I love you so dearly. Shall I not have a dear 
little letter from you? Ah! With what a delicious pleasure I read or 
rather devour your letters ! As it is now late I am going to sleep, and as 
we hope to be at Louisville to-morrow morning, I will now close my letter 
so as to give it to one of those gentlemen who stop there to mail for me. 

"Good night, darling, I press you to my heart and before going to bed 
will pray fervently to God and the Blessed Virgin whilst saying my Beads 
for you and my sweet and dear little girl. Tenderly embrace her for me 
and also embrace your Parents, Sisters, and all the family, and believe 
me always, 

"Your devoted and faithful husband, 

"Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Cincinnati, Friday, November 19, 1852. 
"Well! darling, here I am at Cincinnati, where I arrived yesterday at 
midday. As I had foreseen, there remains to me too short a time, to per- 
mit my going to Pittsburg by way of the river, so that I shall be obliged 

* Father de Smet, the great Indian Missionary. 



154 BIOGRAPHY OF 

to take the railway. By leaving here to-morrow morning at 7 o'clock, I 
hope to arrive at Pittsburg towards 3 o'clock tlie following morning, Sun- 
day. I shall spend Sunday there, in order to hear 3Iass, which will de- 
cidedly give me a good rest. I had the good fortune to meet here Colonel 
AlexandtM', who is repairing, also, to Washington, as a mcml)er of the 
Court of Major Porter, and so I shall have an agreeable companion during 
the remainder of my journey. 

"I wrote to you from Cairo, and again from Louisville. I am feeling 
very well, and Father Carroll and Frederick were astonished on seeing me, 
60 much better did they find my looks. And you, dear little wife, are you 
in good health, and how is our dear child ? I long to hear from you. You 
are constantly in my tiioughts, darling ; when I sec any of the men around 
me, accompanied by young wives, I feel saddened, I cannot refrain from 
regretting that you are not with me. The recollection of tlie jo3'ous week 
I have just passed near you, is very, very sweet to me : at the least, I do 
not leave you, this time, with my heart withering with despair, — I can 
console myself, in reflecting that you love me so tenderly, and that you 
are more than ever worthy of my love. 

" I showed your daguerreotype to Frederick, and your countenance 
pleased him very much. He promised me to write to you, for I told him 
how you had l)Pgged me to ask him to do so, that you desired it. 

" Dear little wife, how I would love to embrace you ! And yet, all pain- 
ful as it is to me to be separated from you, 1 have one consolation even 
greater than my sorrow, and I feel so happy in the thought that we are 
good friends and in the certainty, that I, this time, bear away with me, of 
your affection, tiiat sadness can scarcely wrestle with this feeling of happi- 
ness. Ah ! darling, may I not dare to hope that we have at length seen the 
termination of every species of disunion between us, and that we are going 
to enjoy, henceforth, so much the more happiness by a union of hearts 
that nothing can ever interrupt, — that ^ve have up to the present time 
been profoundly unhappy by the contrary. Ah ! yes, I have a sweet pre- 
sentiment that it will be thus. Console yourself, therefore, darling of 
my entire heart, console yourself with my absence, in thinking of all the 
felicity, with which our little housekeeping will henceforward be crowned. 

"Good night, darling, it is getting late, and I must rise early in the 
morning, so as not to miss the train. Embrace my little beloved, make 
her laugh in speaking to her of her father : — embrace your Father, Mother, 
Sisters, and all the family for me, and believe me wholl}', and with a sin- 
cere affection, 

" Your devoted husband, 

. "Jules." 

Julius to Mariqxntta. 

"Ci-EVELAXD, Ohio, Sunday evening, November 2Ist, 1852. 
" Darling, 

"On account of an accident which occurred on the railroad between 

Cincinnati and Columbus the night before we passed over it ourselves, we 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. I55 

were not able to make connection here with the railroad to Pittshurj^, and, 
as it is forl)idden by law in this State for trains to travel on Sunday, Ave 
were compelled, in consequence, to slacken altogether, and we shall not be 
able to leave here until to-morroAV, Monday, morninc;. Tliis will hardly per- 
mit my arrivin;^; in Washington on the day I desired, even should I travel 
at night, wliich I am not very anxious to do. I send you from here a tele- 
grapliic dispatch, so that should you hear of the accident which delayed 
us you will feel no anxiety for me. 

"I went this morning to Mass at the Cathedral, — a Church just com- 
pleted, and wliich is the largest and the most beautiful one that I have yet 
seen in the United States. 

" What a sad, sad day did I pass ! Mud and ice in the streets ; a clouded 
and cold, rainy, dark sky ; and a profound melancholy in my mind ! ' Oh, if 
my little wife could be with me,' I could not refrain from s.aying, ' I should 
not feel so sad!' Our separation seemed very, very cruel, to-day, I can 
assure you, "my darling ; and yesterday almost equally so. In gazing at 
the country on both sides of the road I would recall Limours, in the garb 
of Autumn that it yet l)ore upon our return from Texas, and from Limours 
my thoughts turned immediately towards you, the darling of my heart. I 
pictured to myself the days we had passed there together, especially the 
first and the last, and it was with a real regret that I said to myself, per- 
haps we will spend no more days together there for a long while, and that 
after the Porter trial is over it will be necessary for mo then to determine 
on resuming my duty elsewhere. 

"There have lately been some terrible storms on the Lakes. * * 

" How is my little daughter? I reproach myself as thinking almost too 
little of her and too much of you, and yet I love her with all my heart. 
The thought of being her father is a never-failing happiness to me. There 
are times when I feel anxious on her account, I love her so much, T am so 
afraid of losing lier that I become foolishly worried. Hence I long to reach 
Washington and receive a letter from you. 

" This letter is not intended to make you sad about me, dear Mariquitta; 
but I am unal)le to write to you in a gayer tone. To be separated from 
you at the moment when all your affection was restored to me, and was be- 
come so dear and so indispensable ; after days, too, of such happiness 
passed near you, is indeed but too sad. My trip has, in consequence, be- 
come altogether distasteful. 

" I am going now to tell you good night, darling. Kiss our dear little 
treasure for me, also your Father, Mother, Sisters, and all the family, and 
believe in the love of him who holds your image always in his heart and 

before his eyes. 

" Always 

" Your Jules." 



156 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Pittsburg, Monday evening, 

November 22iid, 1852. 
"Dear Mariquitta, 

" I think that my little wife ought to be very grateful to ine ; for I have 
written to her from each stopping place of my journey, — from Cairo, 
Louisville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, again this evening from Pittsburg, and 
day after to-morrow, I hope, from Wasliington. 

"I long to be at the end of my journey, the travel by rail tires and 
fatigues me to the last degree and I much prefer a voyage at sea. To be 
nailed to the same seat, and tossed about for twelve successive hours ex- 
hausts me in my weak state of health. On arriving here this evening I 
could have continued my route to AVashington without stopping, and it 
was the only means of arriving there on the day required, but I had not 
the strength ; for, having been indisposed all of yesterday and again this 
morning, I was forced to take care of myself. 

"Did not my darling little wife, on the day of my departure, say, 'my 
husband thinks a great deal more of the Porter affair than he does of his 
wife, he can just as well remain another day?' I even think I can recol- 
lect that you were not satisfied in thinking this, but you said it to me 
myself. As I am now going to justify myself in the eyes of the dear and 
charming little companion of ray life she must listen without feeling hurt, 
do you hear, little mutinous one? 

" When an Officer travels ])y order he should always endeavor to foresee 
the delays which he is sure to encounter and give himself sufficient time 
to arrive in spite of them. One can go from St. Louis to Washington by 
the same route that I followed in five days, if every thing goes along 
smoothly, but that is something which does not happen once in a hundred 
times. Knowing this I should have left St. Louis Saturday evening in- 
stead of Mond.ay, and even at the very moment that I decided to wait 
until Monday my conscience severely reproached me, as failing in my 
duty; but I was so happy near you and my little daughter, I had seen 
you so little, that I had not the courage to start so soon. I must add I 
feared a little .also that, should I arrive in Washington one or two days 
before my time, you would believe I was in too great haste to leave you. 
I thought then I should be giving myself j«.s'^ the time necessary, in taking 
eight days. You can now see, darling, how the matter stands. If 1 had 
started Saturday I could have ascended the river to Pittsburg on a good 
boat, a voyage that would have done me good and would have spared me 
490 miles of railway — the distance I travelled between Cincinnati and this 
City. You will no longer now, darling, will you, be displeased that I 
should have left you on Monday instead of Tuesday? You pardon me, 
do you not? And when on any subsequent occasion I tell you that my 
duty requires me to leave you sooner than you deem necessary, you will 
believe me, will you not, my own darling? 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. I57 

"Have you had any snow as yet? We saw it fall twice between St. 
Louis and Louisville. At Cleveland the ground was covered, and it Avas 
snowing hard Avhen we left there this morning. What I felt in that City 
was the commencement of a fever, due, I believe, to the dampness of the 
weather, and especially to the dampness of the room, in which I spent my 
first night; — a room which contained no fire and no means of making 
one. There I was chilled with a damp cold against which I could not 
protect myself. The next day I asked for a room with a fire. The mo- 
ment I felt that I was going to have fever I dieted myself and commenced 
to take quinine. I took six grains yesterday in three pills and five this 
morning in only one pill, always continuing my diet. This evening I feel 
altogether well, and as I am always journeying further and further south- 
ward, I do not fear again to fi\ll sick. 

" You dread so much the voyage to Texas ! If you could but know 
what kind of a journey this is, after you have once left the river, you 
would have good cause to look back with regret to our trip to Texas ! I 
dread for you, my darling, this journey ; you cannot understand how this 
travelling 800 miles over Railroads would fatigue .and exhaust you. 

"I have done nothing but think of you, my deai'ly beloved, all through 
my journey: each time that I see two persons who appear to be husband 
and wife, or see even but a young lady, my sorrow at being separated from 
you becomes stronger and stronger. You can be well, well assured that I 
love you, my Mariquitta! 

" But I must now say good night, my darling, for it behooves me to rest 
well this evening. I have an excellent room in the Monongahela House, 
one of the best hotels in the country. Kiss our little darling for her papa, 
also all the family, and receive a tender kiss from 

" Your Jules." 



158 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XV. 

Major Porter's trial postponed, and his fright about his trial — Julius' 
accidental meeting with his sister Lily — signal protection of his Guardian 
Angel near Baltimore — anecdote of Col. Payne — anxiety of Julius about 
his wife and little daughter and his relief — his intense love for both — 
devotion to his own mother — shaves off his beard and change it makes — 
remark of a young lady — his present and future plans — objection to 
the Theatre — decision of the Pope in regard to recommendation of last 
National Council of the U. S. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 
"Washington, Thursday, November 25th, 1852. 

" MV OWN DARLTNO LITTLE WiFE, 

" You will be furious, when I tell you that Major Porter's case is laid 
over until January 23rd 5 for, had I kno\vn this in St. Louis, I could have 
stayed with you ; and now I must remain absent from you, as the waters 
are so low, that, I would be compelled to return by land, a mode of 
travelling which fatigues me too much ; each time I have tried it I have 
been rendered sick. They could not inform me of this postponement, as 
it was not known till the 20th and I was then nearly here. It was appar- 
ently impossible to forewarn any of the Officers called in for the case, judg- 
ing from the great number that are now in Washington. 

" The old Major is evidently frightened by the preparations made in his 
honor, and has no taste whatsoever for the affair. I was told that when 
he received the order for the case, he sent word that the state of his health 
would not allow him to be judged at present. Thereupon an Army physi- 
cian Avas ordered to examine him, which was done, and he was pronounced 
in perfect health, lie still protested, so then a consultation of Armj^ Phy- 
sicians was held, and he was examined, and the result was but a reitera- 
tion of the first physician's statement, namely, that there existed no 
physical disqualification to hinder his being tried. Being no longer able 
to feign any physical impediments he then solicited a delay for the arrival 
of his witnesses, jMajor Chapman, Colonel Bennett, Whiting, Captain 
Phelps and Doctor Jarvis. lie w.is made to swear that these witnesses 
were necessary, and also to state the reasons for tlieir being necessary — 
which he did in his own way — after which tlie Secretary of War wrote him 
that though his reasons Avere not well founded nor very clear, still as he, 
an Officer of tiie Army, had sworn they were necessary, it must be consid- 
ered true, and thus he lias been given till the 23rd of January to call them 
in. So here is how the case stands. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 159 

" I wrote to you again from Pittsburg last Monday evening. On 
Tuesday morning I left that city and travelling the entire night and a 
good part of Wednesday arrived here last evening. I felt such an uncon- 
querable desire to go to sleep, that I could scarcely keep my eyes open, so 
that I retired at a very early hour, and, after passing a capital night, feel 
altogether rested to-day. I must tell you, in addition, that I am now feel- 
ing entirely well. Everybody here tliinks I have a better appearance. 
I wanted to telegraph to you to-day of my arrival, but, as it is Thanksgiv- 
ing Day, all the stores, shops, offices, &c., are closed, and amongst others 
that of the Telegraph, so that I was unable to carry out my wish, but I 
■\^ill endeavor to do so to-morrow. 

"I reached Baltimore yesterday at midday, but the cars did not start 
for Washington before 4 o'clock. Tell Juliette, that if I did not call on 
her family, as I had promised her, it was because I was so overwhelmed 
w^ith sleep and fatigue, that I had not the courage to make any toilet, nor 
to go so far. 

"During all these four hours that I passed at the hotel Lily was there 
too, and yet 1 did not know of it. It was merely by chance that I saw her 
for a few moments. Just a little while before my departure, I went to the 
hotel office to pay for my dinner. The clerk asked my name and if I had 
registered, and he took the book whilst speaking to see. I gave him my 
name, and said that I had not registered it. ' But, then,' says he, ' some 
one else has registered it for you,' and he showed me the place on the 
book. Thinking that perliaps my travelling companion had registered 
it, I look and I see ' Miss Garshe.' Still thinking that it was intended to 
designate me, I was nevertheless astounded by the Miss, and I racked my 
mind endeavoring to imagine who could have done it, and why ; for I 
knew my companion too well to suspect him for a single moment. All of 
a sudden, the thought occurred to me that it was doubtless Lily, returning 
from the marriage of Mary Keating. I ask and learn that she had been 
there that very day, and that perhaps she was still in the house. I at 
once search for her and soon find her in the ladies' parlor. We did not 
recognize each other at all at first. Poor little one, the surprise was so 
great, that she could not refrain from shedding some tears. We were 
only able to spend three minutes together, I scarcely had the leisure to 
give her a good look. However, it appeared to me that she greatly 
resembled Mary, without, however, being as pretty, nor having as beau- 
tiful a complexion, — in return, she has a much sweeter and more affection- 
ate look. I promised soon to make her a visit. To be obliged to leave her 
so soon, rendered me very sad, I was even strongly tempted to defer my 
departure for Washington until to-day. Inasmuch as I already knew that 
the Court had been postponed till January, for we had learned this at 
Baltimore, there was really no necessity for my coming that evening, but 
there is in me a singular nature, which, when I have an affair on hand to 
undertake, whether it be good or wiiether it be bad, I am rendered miser- 



160 BIOGRAPHY OF 

able, until I liave seen its termination. I fully comprehended, that I was 
failing in no duty by remainin*;, that no one could find any fault with me 
in doing so; — I bitterly reproached myself as being an unnatural brother; 
— but, the feeling was stronger than myself, and so T continued my jour- 
ney. Poor, dear little Lily, I fear that 1 loft her also very s;id. 

" I have passed the time since dinner reading four or five letters of 
yours, darling, Avliich arrived after my departure for Limours ; and 
amongst tiieiii I found those of your Uncle Louis and Nancy. I have 
written to-day, also, to obtain tiie one you addressed me at Old Point. Your 
letters did me good and rendered me also a little sad, when I reflected tiiat 
I was separated from that dear, little wife, wiio loves me so much. I had 
hoped also to find here a letter from you, written after m^' leaving you, 
giving me news of my little girl, but although the mail follows a difftn-ent 
route to tiie one I took, it appears that it lias encountered as many delays 
as myself, for I did not find any letter. 

"I do not as yet know wliere I shall spend my time of inactivity, 
whether here, or at Eden Park, at my Aunt Cora's ; I can make no 
decision till 1 liave seen the Adjutant General and the Judge Advocate. I 
cannot see them to-day, as all the Offices are closed ; — perhaps I shall know 
to-morrow, though I doubt it. 

"You may recollect the position of Assistant Judge Advocate General, 
of which I have spoken to you, as one of the staff positions I would like 
to hold: — well! they have been instituted, and are already filled; and 
Lay, the fi-iend who nursed me during my fever, has one. So you see, my 
darling, my Guardian Angel is not anxious for a staff position for me; 
but in return he protects mo in a most striking manner from every danger. 
Yesterday morning, the train, in which I arrived in Baltimore, was vio- 
lently diverted from the road, our car was overturned, and but for the ob- 
struction of a Telegraph 2>ole, which finally yielded, however, we should 
have been precipitated into a river, which flowed about 05 feet below us. 
ILippily, not one of us was wounded.* 

*The following is an account of the accident, which he clipped from a 
Baltimore newspaper and sent her in a following letter, 

"Anothkk Hailroad Accident. — Y'csterday morning, a frightful oc- 
currence transpired on the Susquehanna railroad, about 2i miles from the 
city, at the Eagle Factory. It appears that the express train was coming 
at a very rapid rate towards the city, wlien the locomotive came in contact 
with a cow which was on the track. The locomotive with the tender 
attached were thus suddenly disconnected with the cars, and passing over 
the animal escaped much injury, but the three largo passenger cars were 
not as fortunate. They were thrown violently off the track, and ran about 
twenty yards on the brink of a precipice about forty feet in depth to the 
Palls. At the time, the passengers gave themselves up for lost, but fortu- 
nately their destruction was prevented by the intervention of a telegraph 
pole, which prevented the foremost car fiom tilting over into the stream, in 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 101 

" I called this morning on my old Commandant, Colonel Payne, who is 
the actual Commandant of my Regiment, and is the 2nd Officer in rank on 
the Court of Major Porter, and who has always shown a great deal of 
affection for me. I had not seen him for seven years, lie clasped my 
hand between both of his and appeared very happy to see me again. 
'And so you have married,' says he to me laughing, ' ah ! I had protected 
you from that, when you were with me, and I would never have suffered 
it, if you had remained with me.' lie is an old boy, whom you would 
greatly like. He was once in such distress, simply Vjecause he had 
dreamed that he was going to espouse a pretty young widow, who had lost 
her second husbatid, that I believed myself called upon to try and console 
him. 

"Darling, I love you, and you are always in my thoughts. It seems to 
me that for the last two months my affection for you has increased in the 
most extraordinary manner. Kiss our little darling lovingly for me, my 
own precious one. Embrace also your parents, sisters and family. Good- 
bye, dear Mariquitta, my own dear little wife, tell me you no longer doubt 
of my love, and be well assured that I am yours for life and afterward, 

I hope. 

" Your Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Monday, Nov. 29th, 1852, 
" Darling, 

" To-day is the 29th and consequently two weeks since we parted, and 
nearly five days since my arrival in Washington; and so far not a single 
line from you. It was not thus on the last occasion, for the day after my 
arrival in this city I received a letter from you. This silence discourages 
and saddens me. Until now I have continued writing, always hoping to 
hear from you soon; but my expectancy is constantly disappointed and 
my courage fails; for what will give me strength to bear our separation, 
if not your letters. 1 cannot amuse myself like other men, with other 
women or young girls in society — or at balls or otiier pleasures ; I have 
nothing to do, I am not occupied at present, so thus I can only think of 
you, in the morning on rising, at nigiit when retiring, and during all the 
waking' hours. Not only are your letters missed, not only does their 
absence sadden me, but this silence worries me, knowing nolking can 
prevent your writing but sickness, and though my little daughter was a 

which case, many must have been killed. The running gear of the cars is 
much damaged, otherwise they seem to have escaped serious injury. The 
conductor of the train, Mr. Pkhodes, was very active in endeavoring to re- 
store things in their proper places, and in getting a train from the city to 
convey the passengers and mails to Baltimore. One of the brakemen was 
thrown down the embankment, but not much hurt, and a dozen passengers 
were slightly bruised." 

11 



162 BIOQRAPIiy OF 

little indisposed -when I left, slie must indeed be now very ill to prevent 
yoii, my own darling, from writing; to your own Jules. 

" I am in the same house and same room I oooupied before leavinc;, ex- 
cept I have a companion. Captain *Ord, one of the two friends who nursed 
me durinji; my sickness on my first arrival. I liave nothing to do, and 
would like to go to Eden Park, among my relatives, to pass tlie time 
before the opening of the trial. Gibbon and Saxton are both here ; the 
first has been confined with a ])a(l cold but he is now perfectly well. 
Saxton is enjoying excellent health, so am I, in fact I am gaining flesh. 
News has at last arrived from Captain Phelps who is in Constantinople, 
where he is very much thought of and is perfectly well. Plummer and 
his wife were here the other day ; I called this mcirning but they had loft. 
lie has not yet recovered his iiealth, and came to Washington as a witness 
before the Court of INIajor Porter. 

" Tuesday evening, November SOth. — Dear little wife, my own darling, 
my Mariquitta, I love you tenderly, most dearly, — if I could but eml)race 
you, but press you to my heart! I was so unhappy j-esterday, that tlic 
transition, so to say, has caused my heart to overflow with joy ; for I have 
, received a letter from you this afternoon, a very little letter, but one suf- 
ficiently long enougli to tell me that you were only fatigued, that you 
Avere well, and that our little daughter was doing better. Not to have 
heard as yet from you, not only rendered me anxious, on account of the 
state of sickness, in which I had left our dear little one, but it had worried 
me most intensely and incapacitated me for all manner of occupation. I 
did nothing but groan and prol)al)ly annoyed Ord, for, after having in 
vain ]ireacliod me a sermon on patience, he finally proposed to me to go 
and spend the evening at the *Lays. I agreed to the proposition, and we 
repaired thither. We found so many people assembled there, especially 
young ones, that it was a very gay evening; they danced, played games, 
there was music, and all enjoyed themselves. As for me, I could not 
refrain from amusing myself, though I did not wish to play with the 
others, nor to dance, and was even thinking of a means of escape, the 
moment I perceived the company assembled. 

" This morning when j'our letter was handed me at the Post Ofiice and 
I saw how short it seemed, I feared, and returned to my room, and before 
opening it 1 knelt down to resign myself to the Will of God; for I felt 
that so short a letter from you could only be the bearer of bad news. You 
can imagine, darling, my happiness when I found my fears ill founded. 
My heart is relieved of a great weight, and instead of being a prey to 
dark and sombre ideas my imagination is carried away by delightful 



* Captain E. O. C. Ord, of the 3rd Artillery, subsequently Brigadier 
General. 

f Family of ]\[r. Richard Lay, living on 10th street, between F and G 
streets, near Mrs. Spalding's where Julius was boarding. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 103 

thoughts of you, my own darling, ^Yholn I love with all my heart, more 
dearly every day. 

"Dear little wife, I embrace you tenderly, as I love you; I am con- 
stantly thinking of you, and at times I feel this separation unendurable. 
My cournge for enduring such separations does not seem as great as for- 
merly ; I do not know whether it is because I love you more, but I am 
sometimes astonished how cowardly this thought makes me, 

" Kiss very affectionately my little one for her dear papa. Embrace 
your parents, sisters, and all the family for me. 

" Good-bye, my darling, I embrace you again and press you in my arms. 

" Your devoted iiusband, 

"Jules. 

"P. S. I send you the extract of a Baltimore newspaper speaking of 
our accident near that city." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 
" Washington, D. C, Monday, December 0th, 1852. 

"My DEAR Mariquitta, 

" If you could only read into my heart and see the happiness caused by 
your letters! Intense happiness is my portion tliis morning, for I have 
just received your second letter, so full of affection and devotion. I had 
sore need of it. for I had just received one from my Mother which caused 
me intense sadness. Oh! I would dearly love to devote myself to that 
dear Mother, who loved me so much, to devote myself to her the remainder 
of her days, in order to soften as mucli as possible the pains and sorrows 
of old age! _She told me Juliette intends inviting you to spend some time 
with her, and then she counts upon seeing you often, as also our little 
daughter, whom she already loves and longs to see. 

" To return to your letter, my own dear one, your expressions of tender 
love made my heart leap with joy, rendered me (without exaggeration) 
nearly intoxicated with love and joy ! Oh ! the good you>- letters do me ! 
Dear little woman, beloved one, I love you and I will always love you I 
For I see clearly there is in me so profound a love for you and so inexhaust- 
ible, in spite of our love quarrels, in spite of my thinking myself severed 
from all deep affection for you, in spite of my thinking myself unworthily 
offended. You have but to whisper soft words of love in my ear, and let 
me feel they are sincere, and you immediately become my sovereign and 
much beloved Mistress, dearer even than ever. Since my last visit I find 
myself become more in love with you than ever: the idea of being so long 
absent from you grieves me. Ah ! Mariquitta, my loved one, I love you, 
yes! love me also always as you do now ! 

" I am perfectly well. Since the night of my arrival I have only once 
been indisposed. It was a dryness of the throat so disagreeable, that I 
passed a sleepless night. I found out the next day that there were several 
in the house who had like sore throats, and that it was only the beginning 



164 BIOGRAPHY^ OF 

of an influenza that was an epidemic in the city. The others took syrups, 
etc., wliile I contented myself witii precautions and diet; for as it was a 
Friday and wo arc in Advent, I was fasting, but two days afterwards I 
was eniirehj well. 

'' I am taking rcf^ular exercise and together with the beginning of a cold 
spell I am feeling perfectly well. 

" What it is to be a father! All j'ou tell me about the badness and 
anger of our little girl, far from vexing me, appear charming, and only 
make me laugh! And yet how often liave 1 blamed other jiarents for this 
same weakness ! Oli ! I fear it is very difficult not to spoil one's child, 
and yet I would like to avoid spoiling my own. I am delighted she is 
bettor, for I easily become worried aliout you and her. 

" Thank your Mother for the delicious compliment she paid my little 

daughter, kiss her and your Father very affectionately for me, as also your 

little Sisters and all the family. Caress lovingly for me our darling little 

(I was going to say 'bad,' but reproach myself for it, for if she is cutting 

her teeth it Avould be unjust) girl, and for you, dear little companion of 

my life, queen of my heart and of my most tender thoughts, I hold you in 

my arms and kiss you a million of times and beg of you always to love me 

as you do now. 

" To you, my Mariquitta, for life, 

" Your Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 
"Washington, D. C, Friday, December 10th, 1852. 

*' My darling little Wife, 

" Yesterday evening I received yours of the 2Sth and 29th of November, 
which entirely quieted me with respect to the health of our little girl. I 
am made very proud by what you tell me. To have a little daughter with 
teeth, who can say 'No', when she positively means it, this is to be a 
Father truly ! How delighted I would be to see her shake her little head ! 
If it be really teeth that you see distend her gums this accounts for her 
little indisposition, her sleepless nights, and her tempers. As for you, 
dear Mariquitta, I am charmed to see you take your part so bravely, and 
it will merit for you God's benediction. Oh ! if I could only pass this 
Winter with you I I cannot explain to what an extent this thought pos- 
sesses me, nor how bitterly I feel our separation. It would be so lovely 
if at this very moment I could press you in my arms, my dear, dear wife! 
The pictures you place so vividly before my eyes, pictures so full of ineffable 
charm whicli thou, dearest, relishest as much as I, plunge me into delicious 
reveries, reveries probably too sAvcet. But to see what sweet sympathy 
now unites our two hearts, lills mine with unutterable happiness; and 
attests my love for thee, my Mariquitta, a love that only the lover enjoys 
during his honey-moon. 

" My darling, I beg of you to take care of your eye; let me know soon 
that you have consulted Dr. Keyburn about it, and that you are faithfully 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. J (J 5 

following his directions. Arc you well? Are you growing fleshier? Do 
you feel stronger? Those are questions I would so love to have answered, 
and of which yon never speak. Do give me more details about your dear 
little self. 

** My health continues good; — as I observed to you in my last letter, I 
have not felt as well for many months. Now, however, that my Iteard no 
longer hides my face, I cannot help noticing what seems to me the great 
change, which has taken place since my sickness. I seem to myself to 
have grown so old and disfigured, tiiat I acknowledge to you, that it even 
pains me, wlien I now look at myself in the glass. I cannot but believe 
that it must have struck you, during the little visit I lately paid you. 
Happily that my uniform, at the least, prevents my appearing ugly to the 
eyes of women ; and perhaps, if I were not such a good husl)and and my 
little wife so little ti'oubled with jealousy, for which I am truly thankful, 
I could still pretend to please. For, do you know what a young lady told 
me the other day? It was at a little reunion here, where all were amusin"- 
tiiemselves, and it fell to her lot to say to each one something agreeable, 
and, also, sometliing disagreeable. Well ! she told me, with all simplicity, 
'Mr. Garesche, I like you very much — 'tis a pity that you are married.' 
What think you of this, my Mariquitta? 

"You ask mc, darling, what are my plans, what my projects? Being a 
husband and a father I do not wish to do otherwise than is e.Kpected of me. 
And besides I cannot judge beforehand what will be required of me. I 
am here, in Washington, until the termination of the Porter trial, and ifc 
will not be terminated, I think, till the end of March. After that I have 
only one choice, that of returning to my Company at Fort Brown. So 
you see, my plans are very simple. But if I were not married I would 
not think of returning to the dull monotony of a garrison life; for there 
is in this grand centre of action, — in this home of ideas and honors, a 
principle active and pressing, even to the most apathetic minds. And as 
for me, I feel my ambition rekindle as also my old tastes for travels and 
adventures. Without the all-powerful motive which withholds me, and 
which will always be sufficient to sul)due the like fancies, I should prob* 
ably already have started for Mexico. Otherwise, the expedition to Japan 
would please me greatly; otherwise again, I would do all that lay in my 
power to be admitted to some enterprise of the kind, or to be sent on some 
mission to a foreign country. But be not afraid, my own sweet darling, 
I love you too much and too dearly, to abandon you thus; I am too much 
in need of your caresses and of your sweet words of love, to be even capa- 
ble of separating myself for so long a time. It costs me already too much 
to be absent from y(ju now, to allow me to think, without shuddering, of 
a still longer separation. 

" It will be Avith the greatest pleasure, darling, that I will give you the 
moire dress, only wait a little while longer, until I can send you more 
money ; for you have scarcely enough at this moment to pay Eliza, to buy 



166 BIOGRAPHY OF 

your Christmas presents, and to supply your necessary needs. But, as 
for tlie dressinii-iiown which you wish to present me with, I am compelled 
to refuse you this altosjether. It would be for me simply an object of 
luxury: I have no need of it now and I do not know that I should have 
any need for it in Texas. I cannot allow you an expense so useless, and 
I beg of you, tlierefore, my dear wife, to think no longer of it. 

"I shall leave here in three or four days, not to return until the 20th 
of January, so address all your letters till the 10th of January to Wil- 
mington, Delaware, care of *John P. Garcsche, Esq. Be sure to wi'ite 
under Wilmington the name of the State, in which tiiis city is, that is to 
say, Delaware, because, otherwise, as tliere are many other cities bearing 
the same name in the other States of the Union, your letters would run 
the chance of being lost. Although I count, in the first place, on making 
a little visit to fLily and perhaps passing two days in Baltimore, my 
sojourn shall be at my Uncle Garesche's. 

"You burn, you tell me, witli a desire of going to the theatre. Hum I 
is it to have the pleasure of confessing yourself afterward? I am not at 
all of your advice, Madame Mariquitta, and I wish you to be well dis- 
appointed. 

" It appears tliat the Holy Father has not wished to reduce the number 
of feast days and fast days in the English and Spanish dioceses of tiie 
United States, so as to assimilate them with the customs of the seven 
French dioceses. 

"I must now think of closing my letter. Embrace your Parents, Sis- 
ters, and all the family for me. Kiss my little daughter lovingly for her 
Papa, wlio would be so happy to see her, to play witli her, and to caress 
her himself; and not only iier, but also her dear little IMamma. I can 
only kiss you in imagination, my own Mariquitta, but believe in the 
sincere affection of 

"Your Jules," 

* His uncle. 

f His young sister, then a boarder at the Visitation Academy of Fred- 
erick, Md. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 167 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Julius at Frederick City, Md., with his young sister Lily and aunt Lalito 
— his extreme sorrow at his long separation from Mariquitta — wretched 
teeth of prpsent generation and principal cause — visits his relatives at 
"dear old Eden Park" — their notice of his striking resemblance to his 
father — manner in which he wants Mariquitta to write her letters hence- 
forth — his ardent desire that his baby should be vaccinated — Sainte Marie 
family — returns to Washington — sorrow for Eliza's death — gratitude to 
Mariquitta for her kind offer about his mother — love for his relatives at 
Eden Park — good fortune in obtaining his former room in boarding-house 
— expectation of being extremely busy — ^liis own innocence will be more 
fully established — sorrow for Major Porter — willingness to call his baby 
MaTiquitta and objection to name of Quitta and that of Ned — Capt. Ord 
— Lieut. Saxton — Lieut. Gibbon's request to be transferred — Capt. Hunt 
— Mariquitta's scruple and his pious advice — dismay about being com- 
pelled to escort Capt. Ord's young sister to a Ball — his ardent love for 
Mariquitta and his baby — visits his young cousin Jerome at Georgetown 
College — his desire that Mariquitta should have her daguerreotype taken 
for him — Father Sestini's statement about his fasting all day so as not to 
lose his Communion. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Frederick Citv, Saturday, December 18, 1852. 
" De-ar Mariquitta, 

"Here I am since Tuesday evening; I left Washington on the morning 
of the same day. It was a great pleasure for Lily to see me again, and 
for me, also, to find myself near her. She is so sweet and affectionate and 
has the appearance of loving me so sincerely, that I feel myself attached 
to her more than ever. She is very little, much smaller than Octavie ; she 
is not very pretty, perhaps, but has a very agreeable face. At her age, 
however, Mary was far from being pretty ; at the same age, Alexander, 
Ferdinand and myself were all very homely, so that it is very probable 
she will gain a great deal on this point. Dear little Lily, the last time 
we spent together, I was for her such a grumbling and disagreeable 
teacher, she had such an air of being afraid of me, that I dared not prom- 
ise myself she would remember me with a great deal of aflPection. But 
my * Aunt tells me, that it has been altogether otherwise. Lily is just at 
present making a pretty little Summer hat for her Goddaughter, which 
will be finished in time for me to take back with me. She was very con- 

*His Aunt Lalite, Mother Mary Joseph. 



168 BIOQRAPHV OF 

tented, when I told her of the pleasure her three pairs of socks for Mari- 
quitta had given us, and assured nie that there had been no mistake about 
them, as I liad at first feared, and tliat the tliree pairs were all for her 
Goddaugbtcr ; only, she had finished the rosc-colorcd one before recollect- 
ing that Mariquitta could not wear tliem. 

" It was a great pleasure forme and my Aunt, also, to see one another 
again ; I was always her favorite nephew, and she, one of my dearest 
Aunts. I find no change in her, — she is just as gay, good, and natural, 
as I have known her in days of old. 

" I have been rising late since my arrival here, for we have had a great 
deal of rain, and I have not had the courage to go through' the cold, 
dampness, and darkness of the mornings to Mass. After having break- 
fasted, I make a little visit to the Blessed Sacrament, and, afterwards, I 
call on my Aunt; for Lily is ordinarily occupied in the morning and I 
have not wished to intrude upon her studies. I then take my dinner, and 
afterwards return and pass all the afternoon with Lily in jny Aunt's 
room. In the evening, I remain in my room, and read or say my Beads. 
The past two evenings I have had visits, which I must return this morn- 
ing. To-morrow, I am to dine with some friends of the family. Monday, 
I propose to depart; for I long to arrive at Eden Park, where, I feel 
almost sure, I shall find a letter from j-ou awaiting me. I should already 
have it, if I had remained in Washington, and this thought rendei's me a 
little impatient. 

"You will receive this letter, dear little one, at Christmas time, and I 
send you with it a thousand sweet caresses. I feel altogether discouraged 
when I think of what our separation costs me, and when I reflect, that it 
may not perhaps be the last, nor the least long one. If it were not for 
that, I feel confident that I could obtain some rank or employment, which 
would give me more advantageous returns, but which would force me to 
go to California, Oregon, or some other savage locality, where you could 
not follow me, witiiout exposing yourself to many inconvetiiences. It 
seems to me, that I find it even more diflieult to be separated from you, 
this time, than when j'ou left me in Texas. But I feel I am so much older, 
just now, I reflect that we have so little time to pass together upon this 
earth, — that I would wish to enjoy your society as much as possible, and 
it seems to me too precious to allow it to escape me, of my own free will, 
for a single instant. Yes, darling, you see that I love you more and more 
every day. It is only when endeavoring to resign myself to the Will of 
the good God, and thinking that He has the right to ask of me every sacri- 
fice, that I can console myself with my absence from you. But, we must 
always subject ourselves, without murmuring to His will ; for, not only 
do we owe Him this satisfaction for the sins that we have committed, but 
it ordinarily happens, also, that it is even for our temporal good, that it 
has been thus ordained, by Him, who is our Father, and who loves to see 
us happy, even on this Earth. Let us resign ourselves accordingly. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 169 

"I did not wish to give you a direct answer in my last letter to your 
question concernini:; the moire dress of your Aunt Mary tliat j^ou wished 
to buy; but it was because I wished to procure a little surprise for you, 
and I wished that you should have it without having to pay for it yourself, 
and as a Christmas present. I, accordingly, wrote at once to Nancy to 
arrange it with her. As I am not often successful in making surprises, I 
hope I will in this case be as successful as in the one I wished to make 
you by returning last month to St. Louis. At least, I hope that you will 
have had your dress, dearest, and that you will be contented with it. 

" The more I see how wretched the teeth of the present generation are, 
the more I am convinced that one of the great causes of it is, the quantity 
of medicines, wiiich we take ourselves and give to our children. When I 
recall, therefore, how, almost each time that our little darling had a little 
attack of sickness,.! have pressed you to send for the Doctor at once, I 
repent of it. We are able to see, now, that there was, apparently, nothing 
dangerous therein and that the remedies of the Doctors did not have the 
appearance of benefiting her more than simple remedies. I would wish, 
therefore, dearest, tliat should it occur again, (as it is more than probable, 
now that she is commencing to cut her teeth,) to engage you not to hasten 
to give her drugs, but to try at first exterior remedies, and to content your- 
self Avith tiiose, so long as you see that her condition does not grow worse. 

" I see from a letter of Mary to Lily, that my Godson has already two 
teeth : how is the one of my little daughter? My Aunt tells me, that her 
children have always had teeth at the age of three months, or three months 
and a half. Eight months, that our little darling will soon reach, seems 
rather late in comparison. 

" And you, dearest, have you not given me a false alarm ? I am strongly 
disposed to think so, since my first fright has passed away, and I am able 
to reflect a little. All this gives me a great desire to hear about you and my 
little daughter, and I long, therefore, to have your letter. I had at first, 
on arriving, hesitated a little, whether I should not remain an entire week 
here ; but, owing to that reason, I am almost resolved to start Monday 
morning. 

"I shall now tell you good-bye, dearest; my letter is not as long as 
usual, but I am forced to mail it, for I shall be so much occupied from 
now till Monday evening, that I will not have time to add much. Em- 
brace, therefore, your Parents, Sisters, and all the family for me : I wish 
them all ' A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.' 

" Caress well for Papa his dear little girl, tell her he would dearly love 
to be near her, and that she must not forget him ; for that would be too 
great a sorrow for poor Papa. I embrace you, also, my dear little wife; I 
hope you will amuse yourself a great deal during this happy season. I 
will think constantly of you, darling, whom I love with all my heart. 

" Forever, 

" Your Jules." 



170 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius to Mariquitta. 
"Eden Pakk, Thursday, December SOtli, 1852. 
" My own dear little One, 

" How did you puss Cliristmns time? Did you amuse your:?elf a j^reat 
deal? Are you well? And how is my little dau<fhter? "Was she very 
sweet all that time? And do her teeth still put in an appearance? I have 
had no letter (Voiu yciu for a week, and, if I do not receive one early 
to-morrow, I shall have none before Monday. For we are all invited to 
dine, New Years Day, at my Uncle Keating's, who loves to assemble all 
the family around him on tiiat day. Julia starts this morning with her 
son Charles; John and I will go to-morrow; and my Uncle not until the 
day itself. My Aunt, alone, remains, to take care of the house with Cora, 
the young daughter of Julia. Our Christmas passed very tranquilly, and 
in a manner quite diGToront to that of my childhood, when all we children 
■were assembled together, with our still youtiiful Parents and all in 'a joy- 
ous state. Time brings many changes! My Father, who loved so dearly 
to see us amuse ourselves, is no longer, and my poor Mother, alas ! But 
I must not sadden you, my little Mariquitta, bj' entertaining these sombre 
thoughts. For, after all, lam greatly enjoying my visit; this house re- 
calls to me the sweet recollections of my childhood, and then I feel my- 
self so dearly beloved by those who surround me. I have always been 
the favorite of my Aunt and there is no one but Alexander, perhaps, in 
all the family, whon\ my Uncle loves more than me, after his own children. 
They find in mo, also, such a striking resemblance to my Father, which I 
inherit, as also, in some manner, the affection they bore him. I have my- 
self, since the last four years, noticed this resemblance ; but it appears 
that, during the seven years M'hicli have passed since they have seen me, 
it has increased so greatly as to cause all my relatives to speak of it. My 
Aunt Lalitc, wlien I presented myself before her, paused, altogether con- 
founded, so great did she find it. And here, they have not recovered from 
it, and speak to me of it unceasingly. I must, likewise, tell you, darling, 
that, since my last letter, I am perfectly well, and my Aunt finds that I 
am looking better tiian on my arrival ; though 1 did not the less gain some 
flesh in Washington. However, we have had very disagreeable weather, 
and, from the day of my arrival, until yesterday, there has been nothing 
but rain and fogs. 

"You can see. now, from this letter, the manner, in which 1 wish you 
to write your letters henceforth, so as to give me a chance of reading them 
in the way I have before described to you. It is necessary, you see, to 
leave a margin on each of the four sides, about an inch from the interior: 
but, pay attention, that unless, before commencing to write, j'ou trace on 
the forir sides a little line, which will serve as a limit, and remember, 
■whilst looking at it, that you must not pass over it, — ijou will be sure en- 
tirely to forget the margin. I myself, not having taken this precaution, 
nearly failed to remember it, as you may see from the heading of this 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 171 

page. Do not forget this, I beg of you, darling ; for, I hope to have your 
letters arranged in such a manner that I can take them up like a hook, and 
read them with as much fticility. For, very frequently, vi'hen the thought 
of our separation renders me sad, I would wish to re-read your old letters, 
and, especially, some particular one, Avhich, arranged in a bundle, as it is 
necessary for me ordinarily to keep them, I cannot find Avithout difficulty. 

" There is scarcely a single day passes by that my relatives do not speak 
to me of you, and that tliey do not regret that you did not accompany me 
on this last visit. Yesterday, my Aunt came to me, saying, that as it is 
'little presents,' in the opinion of the world, 'which keep up friendship,' 
she had a ' little present' to offer me ; and, with that, she gave me a little 
pot of shaving soap for myself and, for you, a box of perfumed soap. 

"Whilst thinking of my little daughter, the other day, I recollected 
that she was not yet vaccinated ; we should have thought of it during the 
Autumn when she was well: at the present moment, when she is cutting 
her teeth, it would perhaps be running some risk, though my Aunt, to 
whom I have just proposed this question, does not think so. At any rate, 
we must not forget to take this precaution, so necessary, the moment that 
the state of health of our little girl will permit. But, I beg of you, dar- 
ling, be very careful, to ascertain whence comes the virus, that will be 
used for her: — for, if it be from an unhealthy child, one, for example, 
attacked with scrofula, it would do a great deal of harm to our little be- 
loved one. Endeavor, therefore, to ol)tain a virus yourself, from Boislin- 
ifere, at the same time that you ask him to select for you a nurse. 

"Ask your Mother, whether there is not in San Domingo some branch 
of the family *Sainte Marie, with which she is connected, and, whether 
there is not a lady of this f^xmily, attached to the Court of the Princess 
Bacchiochi, sister of the Emperor Napoleon, and Grand Duchess of Lucca. 

"The other day, in company with Julia, I paid some visits to some of 
my old accpiaintances in AVilmington ; I also accompanied her to the 
fD'Ouvilles. 

"But, it is getting late, and it is necessary, my dear wife, that I should 

bid you Adieu. Embrace for me your Father, Mother, Sisters, and all the 

family; and caress tenderly for her Papa, his dear little girl. Darling, I 

embrace you also, and would dearly wish to be able to caress yon, and to 

enjoy some of your sweet caresses, — those dear little caresses, which are 

so dearly loved by 

"Your Julio." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, January 23, 1853. 
"I seize a few moments, darling of my heart, to repeat that I always 
love you more than mj'self, and to thank you for your letter of January 

* Family of the Marquis Bouscarin de Sainte Marie. 
I Relatives of Mariquitta. 



J 72 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the 8th, which I found here upon my arrival. I did not expect so soon to 
hear from you, having heard from you hist Monday, so that I have had a 
very agreeal)le surprise. Your letter gave nie pain and pleasure ; — pain 
in announcing tlie death of that poor P^liza: — pleasure by the sympatliy 
which you show for the health of my poor Mother. To know tliat this 
poor Eliza appears to have loved our child so dearly, has greatly affected 
me, has caused me to make myself many reproaches. I had already done 
so, on that occasion when I so severely scolded Iier and saw afterwards 
with what humility she bore it; hut, now, that I can no longer doubt of 
the sincere affection she entertained for our little Marie, this rememljrance 
causes me even greater pain. I hope, dear Mariquitta, that you will say 
with me, from time to time, a prayer for the repose of her soul. 

" I thank you, my beloved, for your offer about my Mother ; it would be 
for me one of the greatest consolations possible, to have my poor Mother 
with me, and to be able to take care of her. By tlie conduct which you 
have lately shown towards her, you have rendered yourself even dearer to 
my heart than I could express in words, my Mariquitta, and I vow to you 
a sincere gratitude. 

" I left Eden Park Friday morning, and not without a great deal of re- 
gret; for, far from you, it was at the least sweet to me to find myself near 
relatives as dear, and an Aunt, Avho loves me so much. One of the last 
things that Julia asked of me on leaving, was to speak to you frequently 
of them, so that you might learn to love them ; which they so ardently 
desire. 

"I had the happiness on my return here, of being able to install myself 
in the same room, that I had already twice occupied. They have been so 
good and so affectionate to me in this family, that I desired most earnestly 
to return to them. However, on account of the throng of people, who are 
hastening to Washington to dispute the offices which the new administra- 
tion will have to distribute, I greatly feared I might be disappointed, and 
even dreaded the possibility of finding no lodging-place, unless by paying 
more than double what I had hitherto paid. My foresight was not devoid 
of a foundation : — already two or three persons had come to examine my 
room, and were only awaiting, no doubt, for my companion, Captain Ord, 
who is to start in a few days for the South, to move out, — to take posses- 
sion of it. Happily I arrived before his departure. Last evening, an 
officer of my acquaintance, who is here, told me, that lie had to pay 
monthly over $50. 

" The Court will positively open next Tuesday. Nearly all the officers, 
who have been summoned, have arrived, even to Majors Porter and Chap- 
man, and Dr. Jarvis. Captain Hunt, however, and McCown, have not as 
yet come; they will probably be here to-morrow. Holmes has come on, 
but I have not yet seen him, for he is in garrison at Fort Washington, 
very near here. I only saw Gibbon for an instant. 

" As I before announced to you, I shall be very much occupied ; that is 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. J 73 

to say, my time will be taken up, though I shall have nothing fatiguing to 
do, — very little even, in fact, to do. At first, it Avas ordered, that in place 
of the Arsenal, the Court should be held in the City, which would spare 
me a long jaunt every day. Once I have given my evidence I shall have 
nothing else to do, than to listen to that of the other witnesses, and to 
follow the course of the trial ; which is entirely prepared, — so that there 
will remain nothing else for me to do. I see all this arrive with sentiments 
quite different to those I experienced at the epoch and during the continu- 
ance of my own trial. Not only am I sheltered from all sentence of this 
Court, but the more this affair will be examined, the more will my inno- 
cence come out clear and well proved. They can, by sympathy, or thanks 
to some legal subtlety of his lawyer, acquit the venerable Giles (I am 
almost tCTupted to wish that it may occur thus) — but this will not prevent 
the wrongs that I have received from him from being fully exposed to the 
broad light of day. Moreover, not being charged with this trial, as I was 
in my own defense, my head will not be so worked as it Avas at Fort Brown. 
The feeling, perhaps, the most vivid, which all this inspires me with now, 
is one of sincere pity for this poor Giles, who, they say, is wan and as pale 
as death. I take only just a sufficient amount of interest, to prevent my- 
self from becoming too sad in thinking of my poor Mother and in feeling 
my separation from you. 

" Everybody tells me that I have come back stouter and with a better 
appearance, than when I left. The air of Washington, also, agrees with 
me, and I am compelled to take here only an ordinary amount of exercise. 

" I am very willing, darling, if you desire it, to call our little girl Mari- 
quitta; but, I beg of you, do not give her the name of Quitta, which I 
think very ugly. I must tell you that I am of the same opinion with 
regard to the imme of Ked. Embrace our Mariquitta tenderly for Papa, 
as also everybody else, and believe, darling, always in my love for your- 
self. Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, D. C, Saturday, January 29, 1853. 
" My dear little Wife, 

"Will you not embrace me this morning, and assure me that you are 
not at all displeased with me? The Court is doing nothing to-day, and I 
am, therefore, altogether at liberty. Now that I am altogether calm, and 
that my eyes are no longer obscured by indignation and the sentiment of 
the great injustice to which I have been exposed, — I regret a great many 
things in this Porter affair : I cannot refrain from condemning the violence, 
with which I allowed myself to be carried away towards the end. This 
consideration causes every species of violence to appear to me so odious, 
that I have made a resolution to accept every thing with patience, in 
future, unless I am driven to extremities. May God help me to maintain 
my resolution ! 

" My old room-mate, Captain Ord, has left for the South, and Saxton 



174 BIOGRAPHY OF 

now occupies his place. He is so gentle and so sedate, that, as it was 
necessary that I should have some one with me, I am very much pleased 
that it siiould he he. 

"Gibbon has asked to be transferred to the Company of McCown ; my 
consent was requested, and I gave it. I think tliat lie will succeed there. 
I shall still have Dungan, and another younger officer, of the name of 
Ilartsuff, wlio lias already repaired to the Company. Saxton tells me that 
Dr. Moore has taken tlie house of Captain Hunt, the same which Wliiting 
afterwards occupied. Van Vliet, the Quarter blaster, had taken that of 
JMajor Chapman, but was to yield it to Lieut. Colonel Webster, the new 
Commandant, and was to arrange for him that of Captain Phelps. Dungan 
occupies ours. 

"Do you know that Mrs. Hunt has been all this time at the Planter's 
House,* and is still there? The Captain is very friendly; I meet him, 
every day, at the Court. I have not as yet seen Dr. Jarvis, nor Major 
Chapman. Sa.\ton tells me that the former does nothing but grumble, all 
the time, for having been called here, and says every thing that is bad of 
the Northern climate. 

" I sincerely hope that your Mother has no reason to fear for the fate 
of your Uncle Louis; and, without doubt, she will soon be reassured 
about him. After all, the proportion of those, who are killed in battle, 
is remarkabl}^ small. As I no longer see the Frencli Gazette, I am, un- 
happily, unable to give you any news concerning him. I hope soon to 
hear from yourself, that in place of being wounded, he is safe and sound, 
and that he has greatly distinguished himself. My little darling, you 
must really be in a state of complete demoralization, to allow yourself to 
be ti'oubled by the recollection of any thing that you could have said or 
thought of during the agony of your illnesses. Without doubt, by sub- 
duing this sentiment of revolt, in such sufferings, one is assured of im- 
mense graces, but then who is there that is capable of this? How few 
there are so perfect! No, dai-ling, your reason ought already to have 
shown you, tiiat God is too good and too indulgent, to visit with severity 
the feebleness of a moment, the cry of agony, which intense pain wrings 
from us, in spite of ourselves. Ask pardon of the good God, my darling, 
and be assured that your prayer will be heard at once. And banish this 
idea altogether from your mind, for it is but one of the suggestions of the 
enemy, which he sends us, so as to turn away our attention from our true 
sins. It is your duty not to listen to it. 

" Tell 3'our JMotlier, darling, that I did not meet with any of the names f 
you mentioned. I saw that of the Dcs Ruisseaux ; they must, however, 

* Hotel in St. Louis. 

f Julius had been translating at Eden Park some of the Bauduy family 
papers for his Aunt Cora, and probably came across some of these names 
among the earlier colonists of San Domingo, or connections of the Bauduy 
family on the Island. 



LIEUT. COL.. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 175 

have been cousins of the Des Sources. You have not answered me con- 
cerning the Salute Maries ; the fact is, my dear wife, you cou]d not have 
re-read my letters when you ansicered them. I have remarked this, espe- 
cially'', since my last departure, and if I did not know how sick and occu- 
pied you have been, if I did not always love to find some excuses for you, 
I would perhaps have spoken of it to you, to beg of- you to pay more 
attention. As for your letters, my own beloved, I have them so well 
arranged, that I can open them, no matter where. They are my consolation 
in my moments of sadness, and I cannot describe the joy I experienced 
when I had succeeded in this idea. I now leave you with a heavy heart, 
my own Mariquitta, and would dearly wish to have another letter from 
you, to inform me that you are less sad and suffering less. Adieu, darling, 
embrace and caress well for me our beautiful little angel: and embrace 

all your family. 

" Your Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Washington, Ash-Wednesday, February 9, 1853. 
" My own dear darling little Wife, 

"Your letter of the 27th January arrived yesterday, but, as I had 
written to you last Sunday, and I had nothing new to communicate, I 
waited perhaps one or two days before despatciiing my answer. Your 
Mother had already written that you had been indisposed and obliged to 
remain in St. Louis, without, however, entering into any details. Take 
care of yourself, darling, for your husband, who loves you, and for your 
dear little daugiiter, who will love you soon, when she will have more 
intelligence, witli all the affection of her little heart. It gave me a great 
deal of pleasure to learn of her ha'ving at length cut a tooth; — I feel 
altogether proud of it. Embrace her a dozen times for her Papa, Avho 
would dearly love to be aljle himself to caress his viignonne. 

" What think you of your venerable husband, who goes to balls with 
young ladies ; who dances, and plays the beau with two of the most beau- 
tiful maidens that can be found here; of whom one, for example, with a 
skin, as white as snow, was so low-necked, that I dared not allow my eyes 
to fall below her face? All this is true, however. My friend, Ord, having 
left, I felt compelled to offer myself to fill his place, near his sister, a very 
pretty young girl, and one perfectly reared. Her father did not like her 
to go out unless with himself, or her mother, or one of her brothers, when 
they were at hand. But, as the old people go out but very little. Miss 
Georgiana did not have much opportunity of amusing herself outside of 
her house. Being invited to the same party, on Monday evening, I had 
renewed my offer, hoping with all my heart, I must confess it, that she 
would not accept, — that her Father would not confide her to me any more 
than he would to another. Unhappily, however, for my calculations, it 
appears that her parents judged me sufficiently old and sedate enough to 
accept. Accordingly, to my great despair, I had to prepare myself, in- 



176 BIOGRAPHY OF 

wardly execrating my politeness, and promising myself that I should 
never again be thus caught. I was thrown into snch a state of excitement, 
that, from the hour of dinner to that of supper, I felt incapable of any 
thing; and I passed all this time, sitting before the fire, meditating all 
sorts of possible chances, which could still unexpectedly happen, to oblige 
Miss Georgiana to renounce my offer. I had but one consolation, and it 
was that I was conferring pleasure, and was rendering a service to a 
charming person, sweet, good, pretty, and whom I was strongly medi- 
tating for Ferdinand. In fine, we started. Without doubt, as usual, I 
would not have ventured to dance if I had been free ; but politeness forced 
me to dance with Miss Georgiana ; and, having been presented immedi- 
ately afterwards to the j'oung lady with the snowy skin, it Avas necessary 
for me also to dance with her; and I danced afterwards with the wife of 
an Officer; and, in short, I would have danced all the evening, I believe, 
if I had not promised to bring Miss Georgiana back at midniglit. Upon 
the whole, I enjoyed myself a great deal. What think you of all this, 
Mariquitta mia? 

^^Thursdai/, February 10. — I have just returned from the Court, which 
continues to drag along at great length. Here have we been already six- 
teen days, and the defense has not as yet commenced. And, yet, these 
good people entertained, for a moment, the idea that tiiey would finish the 
casein three days! From ten o'clock until three my time is taken up; 
which leaves me, after my dinner, scarcely time to do any thing. I have 
not as yet been able to visit my little Cousin * Jerome at College, since 
my return here. 

^'■Friday, Feb. 11. — My dear little wife, having nothing new or interesting 
to communicate, I am going to close and dispatch my letter. My health 
continues good and I have reason to believe that it is altogether re-estab- 
lished now, thanks be to God. 

"We have good reason to be grateful to God, since our little Mariquitta 
has suffered so little from cutting her tooth. I caress you both, and love 
you both with all my heart, my two little Mariquittas. Tenderly embrace 
for me our little darling, and tell her that if Papa were near, he would 
place a little gold dollar in her purse in thanksgiving for her beautiful 
little tootii. 

"Embrace all the family of Limours for me; give many kind regards 

to the rest of the family — say a kind word to the servants, and believe me, 

always, my dear wife, 

" Your very devoted husband, 

"Jules." 



*Only son of Amelia Keating and Doctor Peter Bnuduy, Julius' maternal 
uncle, and a brilliant young physician of Cuba, who lost his life in that 
Island many years before, while attempting to ford on horseback a swollen 
torrent. Jerome was now a student at Georgetown College. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I77 

Julius to MariqidUa. 

"Washixgton, Tuesday, February 15, 1853. 

"I have just returned from a trip to Georo;etown, where I went to see 
my young Cousin, Jerome, whom I had not yet seen since my return. I 
had hoped to have a letter from my beloved to-day, so that I was a little 
disappointed in not finding one at the Post Office, past which I cuuie, be- 
foi-e coming in. 

"Have you never spoken to me of a Mr. *Lain6, darling? As an 
acquaintance of your Father, a Frenchman from Bordeaux, but wlio fre- 
quently went over to Guadeloupe? 

"I received a telegraphic dispatch, yesterday morning, from Alexander, 
who begged me to join iiim at Baltimore. But, as I was held here by the 
Court, this was impossible. I wrote to him at once, and am very desirous 
soon to have a letter from him, to inform me what brings him here, and 
to have some news. 

"My little Mariquitta, do you wish to make me a present, — a present, 
which I would appreciate f Do not become displeased now, dear little 
one, I promise you to bestow every honor upon the dressing-gown in three 
or four years, when we return from Texas, and to set a very high value 
upon it, in honor of the rogue of a little wife, who has given it to me. 
But I ask of you something more precious — it is a good daguerreotype of 
yourself. The one that I have does not represent my own Mariquitta, and, 
then, it is so indistinct and effaced, that it is witli .difficulty one can dis- 
tinguish the features. 1 recall my little Mariquitta, so pretty and so 
beautiful, on my last trip, that I would dearly love to have her portrait 
thus represented. Do not fatigue yourself by going to the City expressly 
for this, darling; but if, when you feel better, you resume your visits 
there, then, select one of these occasions to make a pretty toilet, and have 
your daguerreotype taken. Recollect, that, the darker the colors of your 
dress are, the less will you be surrounded with white., and the clearer and 
better taken will the daguerreotype be. And remember, also, darling, 
tliat you must keep perfectly tranquil: — if it costs you, think of the 
pleasure that a good daguerreotype of you will give me, so as to encourage 
you. And do not content yourself with a poor one ; accept none which 
will not be perfectly good. 

"Adieu, my dear Mariquitta, I embrace you, as also my little daughter 
and the rest of the family, and remain, always, 

" Your affectionate husband, 

"Jules." 



*Mr. Damas Laine married twice into Julius' family. First, Julius' 
first cousin, Lalite, eldest daughter of his Aunt Helen and Henry Alex- 
ander Des Chapelles ; and second, Mary, daughter of his uncle John P. 
Garesche. 

12 



178 BIOGRAPHY OF 

It is related of Julius, that during the period of this Court- 
Martial, he, late one afternoon, called on his confessor, Father 
Sestini, one of the Jesuit Fathers at Gonzaga College, and asked 
him to please give him Communion then, saying that he had 
arranged to go in the early morning, as usual, but an unex|>ected 
summons to the Court-Martial had compelled him to forego 
doing so, and, as he did not wish to lose his Communion, he. had 
remained fasting all day, and would be glad now to receive it. 
All this was said in a modest and unobtrusive spirit, and the 
good Father, touched to the inmost heart, most willingly com- 
plied with his pious and exemplary desire. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OAR ESC HE. HO 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Major Porter's trial ended — Julius at New York — is to sail thence in com- 
mand of Eecruits for Texas — sorrow at this prolonged separation from 
Mariquitta but pious resignation — flattering compliment to himself from 
the Court and also from the War Dept. — on board the " Irene" — intense 
love for Mariquitta and necessity of his nature receiving love — what 
Kelisrion has done for him — his Officers and Eecruits- -great storm — res- 
cues a shipwrecked crew — intends applying for a position in Judge 
Advocate General's Corps — arrival at San Antonio. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"New York, Friday, February 25th, 1853. 
"I am about to cause you pain, my darling, and yet tlirougli no fault of 
mine. Instead of being permitted to return to St. Louis for you I am 
ordered to Texas with some Recruits. I have long kept this news from 
you, knowing all the sorrow it would cause you, judging from what I have 
felt myself. This I would not have done if I could have brought you with 
me ; but this was impossible for many reasons. First, you are not suffi- 
ciently strong to endure the journey from St. Louis to New York at this 
time: again, you will be compelled to make the voyage in a sailing vessel, 
thus we will be nearly a month at sea — where you will die of sea sickness. 
Arrived on Texas' coast, there will remain a long march of nearly 300 
miles to make, all of which you are incapable of doing in your present 
delicate condition of health. I have thus kept my secret to myself as long 
as possible, so as to spai-e you. Many unhappy days have thus been spared 
you. As I have before said, the order pained me greatly ; and what caused 
me the most suffering wjis the thought of what you, my darling, would 
suffer. But you must not allow this to overwhelm you, my Mariquitta, 
for you must remember it is the will of God, to which we must implicitly 
submit — we above all, as you remarked lately yourself, who have so many 
reasons for blessing Ilim for the numberless graces and favors He has lav- 
ished upon us. Besides, we must reflect that though we cannot always see 
it nor feel convinced of it, still all that He does is for our good. Finally, 
if we examine Avell into the case, you will see that after all it is not such a 
misfortune. For you can come and meet me at New Orleans, and from 
there we will start together for Fort Brown, where we will enjoy the de- 
lights of a home more united than ever yet, and, above all, crowned by the 
charming presence of our little girl, and we will thus be junply repaid for 
all the sufiering experienced during the interval. Remember, darling, we 



180 BIOGRAPHY OF 

did not expect to meet till May, and by this arranprement we will see each 
other no later than May. Our separation is not prolonged. The only 
difference is, you will be without lettei-s from me, once out at sea, where 
we will he for at least six weeks or probably two months, and besides you 
will be obliged to undertake the voyage from St. Louis to New Orleans 
without me. But this is absolutely all. Take courage, then, my darling, 
and console yourself, and do not get the idea, dearest, that this expedition 
is of itself disagreeable, that I shall suffer or be exposed. Not at all ! It 
is true, if I could honorably have withdrawn, I would most certainly have 
done so, so as to have been with you sooner. But if I had never known 
j^ou — that is, if I had never married, I would more probably have solicited 
this order, than tried to escape it. A like expedition would have been 
most agreealde four years ago. I love motion, change, action : my health 
is always much better thus. When in Mexico, if I felt the beginning of 
an indisposition, I had only to go on some expedition, and I was immedi- 
ately relieved. I am now in excellent health — the sea voyage and the march 
cannot but do me good. Moreover, I must tell you, I am about to have 
the command. Even though it were but a command of only a hundred 
men, it would still give me pleasure, for it will be about my first. But I 
am to have Whiting, Gibbon, a young Cavalry Officer, three young Infantry 
Officers, and a Surgeon, with 400 men under my orders. You see, it is a 
fine command. 

" Now let me tell you that IMajor Porter was acquitted — but though 
acquitted the Court added ' it was their duty, nevertheless, to declare that 
they considered the accusations of Major Porter against Lt. Garesche as 
'^ unnecessari/." ^ I know that several of them wished to make use of a 
stronger expression than this last, but they could not do so without ren- 
dering the Major's acquittal altogether ridiculous. But it is very honor- 
able and very flattering for me, that they thus put themselves out, to render 
me this mark of justice. They were in no way called upon to do so, they 
could have dispensed themselves ; especially, as I had already been acquitted 
once and they had not the right to continue my case, even if I had been 
found blamable. 

" As to what concerns Major Porter, I expected it; it is said, this is the 
first time that a like case has been judged in our Army ; and you under- 
stand that these old Officers (there was not one who was not gray-headed) 
were not anxious to furnish a precedent which could affect themselves. 
It was necessary that my innocence should be very striking, as it was, to 
be complimented as I was bj^ them. And, as you know, the old Major had 
ended by inspiring me with great pity, so you understand I have every 
reason to applaud myself for the successful issue. In one sense, this case 
has done me a world of good. It has made me known to the whole Army, 
and known, too, as an Officer exact in fulfilling all his duties, and as an 
upright and honorable character. This is shown by immediately after- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. \^\ 

wards ijivinp: me so handsome a command, whereas it is almost certain the 
old Major will never have another, as long as he lives. 

"I do not know, darling, as to the state of your present health, and 
whether you will be able to undertake the journey to New Orleans to meet 
me and accompany me thence to Fort Brown. I cannot even advise you 
on this subject. I leave you at full liberty to decide as you think most 
prudent. If you are in doubt, consult your Parents and good Father* 
Damen, also Boislinifere; you could not have better counsellors. And be 
sure, I approve beforehand, no matter what may be the result, convinced 
as I am of your tender love for me, and that whatever you decide will be 
for the best. Anyhow you are not required to hurry yourself. Once 
arrived at Indianola, I will write to infoi-m you that I have commenced 
my march into the interior, and you must not think of leaving St. Louis 
before receiving that letter. 

" The thought of seeing yon again, my darling, also my little daughter, 
after this expedition is ended, gives me untold pleasure. Would it not be 
better for you to wean her? She would then have no difficulty in making 
the journey. Embrace and say Adieu for me to your Pai-ents, dear little 
Sisters, and all the family. Remember that if one of your Sisters would 
like to accompany you to Texas, and your Parents are willing, I shall be 
charmed. 

" Kiss our little treasure for me : — she will be one year old, when I see 
her; does she not begin to prattle and walk? I press you to my heart, 
my darling, and embrace you most tenderly, and remain always, 

" Your loving and devoted 

"Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

" New York Harbor, on board the three-master ' Irene,' 
Thursday evening, March 3rd, 1853. 

" My own darling little AVife, 

"I love you with all my heart, and your letter of the IGth of February, 
which I received this morning, did me an unspeakable amount of good. 
I send you thousands of sweet kisses. I was leaving sad, but that letter, 
so good, so affectionate, so reasonable, consoled me entirely. We are on 
board, and only await the Captain to set sail. I am writing to you in the 
midst of the disorder attendant on the embarkation of so large a number 
of undisciplined and consequently ignorant soldiers ; I am interrupted 
every moment, first to know where they shall go, again to give orders for 
their supper ; again for one thing, and then for another. I must catch my 
thoughts, as it were, on the wing. 

" My darling, let mo remind you that my address for the time being is 
Indianola ; send your letters there until I can tell you otherwise. I repeat, 
as to joining me, do as you think best and most prudent. I know you are 

* A Jesuit Father. 



182 BIOGRAPHY OF 

sick, my poor darling, and in spite of my longing to see you, I do not wish 
yon to risk your life. But you need not worry over this until you receive 
a letter from me dated from Texas ; for arrived there a march of at least 300 
miles will be necessary. I cannot, therefore, be at New Orleans before five 
or si.x weeks, probably two niontlis, after toucliing the coast of Texas. But 
if you decide that it is impossible to join me, let me know as soon as possi- 
ble ; for it will then not only be useless for me to make the trip to New 
Orleans but also an unnecessary expense. Whiting, who left Washington 
after me. says that (.Jeneral Scott and the Adjutant General still entertain 
the idea of calling back our two Companies from Texas. Ihey have not 
been able to obtain the consent of the Administration of President Fill- 
more, but they intend doing all that is possible to obtain it from that of 
Gen. Pierce. Probably I ought not to tell you this, dearest, as it may only 
raise your hopes uselessly ; for, really, I myself do not at all count on 
this hope. 

"We have a magnificent vessel, it would be impossible to find a finer 
one. It is entirely new, of 1185 tons, and under tiie command of a man 
who appears remarkably intelligent. The 3'oung Officers, who accompany 
me, are all that I could desire. The recruits themselves are the best, it is 
said, that have ever been sent to Texas, and really they appear to be ex- 
cellent men. Ordinarily the embarkation of recruits is accompanied by 
great disorder, but ours are so quiet and subdued, that they give us no 
trouble whatever. 

" IIow I should love to see our charming little daughter, and hear her 
say ' Papa' and 'Baba,' and see her 'clap hands' ! I feel I will be passion- 
ately fond of her, and the more I learn to love her, the more I will also 
love her already much loved little Mamma. 

" I love you, dearest, as words fail to express ; for I feel my love for you 
constantly increasing. Your letter did me so much good, and I now leave 
with a light heart. The expedition is in itself very agreeable, and if, as 
with God's grace I trust I can do so, I can acquit myself well it will not 
fail to give me honor. 

"Embrace affectionately for me your good Parents, your dear little Sis- 
ters, and all tlie family. Give a thousand kisses to Mariqui///(r,* and tell 
her that Papa loves her with all his heart and hoj^ies she will return his 
affection. 

"Now, I must leave you, my darling little wife; for we are in full sea, 
and the pilot, who is to receive my letter, is about to leave us. Farewell, 
dearest, I press you to my heart and lavish upon you the most tender 
caresses. 

"Always yours, 

"Your devoted husband, 

"Jules." 



* Pet name for his little daughter Marie. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 183 



Julius to Mariquitta. 

"On Board the Three-Master Irene, March 22, 1853. 

"My darlini!;, how I miss you! How weak and destitute of courage I 
feel, at the thought of tiiese continual separations! At times it seems 
almost impossible to live thus, for my heart has need of her who has given 
it life — whose society, affection, and sweet caresses have become indispensa- 
ble. My heart has always been loving, and has always felt the need of 
being loved — has always found the greatest happiness in home ties, 
although dreaming of a greater happiness, which has since been realized 
in marriage. 

" I suffered, before knowing you, from the separation from my family ; 
but I had a thousand distractions, which rendered this suffering less keen, 
which even made me forget it. For then I was still young, ardent, I gained 
admiration, in a manner, which now astonishes me, when I. think of and 
recollect the character of some of those who deigned to speak of me in 
such flattering terms. The success of vanity, ambition, society, occupied 
my thoughts, and filled my mind. But now since religion has taught me 
the nothingness of all these frivolities, the dangers and temptations that are 
attached to them, I am a changed being. Society no longer possesses charms 
for me, my heart opens wider to the sweet affections that God blesses. Far 
from my wife and child, I am no longer myself; I am but tlie half of my- 
self, and even less than the half, — an unhappy and incomplete being. If 
God were not so good to me, and did not sustain me with so many graces, 
I do not really see how I could look upon this long separation from you. 

"But you are curious, my little wife, to know how my journey passed. 
We had scarcely gained the open sea when a terrible tempest hailed us, 
and with the exception of Whiting we were all sick, even the 2nd Officer of 
the ship included. I, who did not have my little wife to nurse; could allow 
myself to be sick with the others, and was sick for two days. But all are 
well now. Thanks to this storm, we made 700 miles in less than four 
days ; but we have had little wind since, and have, in consequence, not 
made much headway. The young Officers, who accompany me, are all 
excellent companions. The recruits are excellent men, and are already 
nearly as well disciplined as old Soldiers. 

" We had the good fortune to come to the assistance of the crew of a 
vessel which had the night of the storm struck against another, and ran 
the risk of soon sinking. 

" In the midst of our preparations for the march I find little time to 
write to you, dearest; a long letter is impossible. 

" Indianola, Texas, Holi/ Friday, March 25th. — We landed this morn- 
ing, my darling, and at first I was very sad on hearing there was no letter 
from my wife ; but afterwards yours of the 27th February was handed me, 
which you had addressed to Washington. AVhat consolation did it not 



184 BIOGRAPHY OF 

afford me, it was so tender, so full of affection ! My Mariquitta, how you 
make me love you! too much even! is it not so, dear little one, since I 
have not the courage to live always separated from you, that I even at 
times take a dislike to my career. And yet, what can I do ? I am too 
indulgent, too much, I do not know why, in other words too little fitted 
for business matters. I would ruin myself in any other career. But still 
it is not on a Holy Day like this that I can permit myself to murmur. 

"I grieve to know that you are always suffering and that your health 
does not permit you to join me. Address your letters to care of the U. S. 
Quarter Master, Indianola, Texas. To-morrow, if possible, we begin the 
march, or at latest the day after. I am in perfect health, thanks be to 
God, and if it were not for the thought of you and my little daughter. I 
would be charmed with this expedition ; it is with a feeling of pleasure I 
find myself again in a climate that I like so much. 

" I am going to write to Major Lee, to ask him to consider me as a can- 
didate, in case his Staff is increased, — that of the Judge Advocates. There 
is but little chance, still I do not wish to neglect any means. 

"I have sent you to-day a telegrapliic dispatch, by a gentleman who is 
going to New Orleans, announcing my arrival. After this letter I do not 
know when you will have another from me, my darling; but be sure I 
will neglect no opportunity of sending you news. What you tell me of 
my little daugiiter renders me almost crazy; caress and kiss her for her 
Papa. I press you to my heart, my darling, my sweet and cherished little 
wife ; if you only knew how much I love you ! 

" Your husband, your 

"Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" San AxTONio, Texas, April 4th, 1S53. 
" My darling, 

" I am writing to you in haste, to inform you that General Harney, 
whom I met here, has dispensed me from going further. I shall, in con- 
sequence, start in four or five days for New Orleans, if I do not receive 
any letter from you, announcing that you are incapable of coming to join 
me. If you can come, start immediately, or, at least, as soon as you can 
find a good boat for New Orleans. I send you this very day, through the 
medium of * David, a telegraphic dispatch, announcing this news." 

* Her cousin, David de Coudroy de Laureal, living in New Orleans. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 185 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Mariquitta's departure for Texas — Julius resumes commanrl of his Com- 
pany — is appointed to different responsible positions — his and Mariquitta's 
great sorrow about the death of her aunt Lily — little Marie — Julius' ap- 
plication to Col. Cooper for vacancy in liis Corps— arrival of troops at 
Fort Brown, also of Major Porter — Julius on Engineer duty — flattering 
letter from Col. Cooper — General P. Smith — Julius' and Mariquitta's 
kindness to Major Porter — Yellow Fever at Fort Brown and her dread of 
it — Father Olivier's remarks— Julius' devotion to the afflicted and seizure 
himself with the terrible Yellow Fever — lying at death's door, and Mari- 
quitta's fearful agony of heart, hor vow and his miraculous recovery — 
his great fondness for his child, and his and Mariquitta's willing sacrifice 
for its good. 

Ox the 27th of April Mariquitta left Limours with her little 
daughter and was met by Julius at New Orleans, and together 
they journeyed to Fort Brown, Texas. 

The reader can readily imagine Julius' intense delight in see- 
ing again these beloved beings from whom he had been sep- 
arated for so many long months, and his gratitude to his Maker 
who had vouchsafed him this untold blessing. How different 
was this reunion to that of the Fall of 1850! Then how sad ; 
now how joyful ! What a happiness it was to clasp agitin to his 
heart his darling little wife, that being whom he loved so ten- 
derly and devotedly and who repaid his love with a kindred 
affection, and to caress his sweet baby daughter, his Mariquitita! 

He again assumed command of his Company, and during this 
year, 1853, also served as Post Quarter Master and in various 
other duties of responsibility, for which his superiors deemed 
him so fully competent. 

Julius to Mariquitta's Mother. 

"Fort Brown, August 17, 1853. 
" My good axd dear Mother, 

"For many days I have been thinking of v?riting, and I fully expected 
to be able to chat with you on gay subjects, I hoped to amuse myself with 
you in speaking of our two Mariquittas : — I did not foresee this distress- 



186 BIOGRAPnV OF 

fill news, that was already directing its steps towards you ; — I did not 
know of the fatal event, which had already thrown a numerous family 
into mournina; and grief, and wliich was also to sadden me, even to the 
very depths of my heart. My poor Mariquitta lias been most profoundly 
affected, and, all day, it has pained me to see her thus. Our little daugh- 
ter is a great resource to us, however, in a moment like this. Surmising 
notiiing, she naturally keeps up her cliildish prattle, and constantly 
attracts our attention to herself by some pretty little trick, to which it is 
impossible to refuse a smile; or by some little fit of temper, which it is 
necessary at once to correct. 

"I am so confounded by the unforeseen news of this great loss which 
we have just sustained, that I am almost stunned. Dear Aunt Lily! so 
sweet, so good, supporting with a patience so angelic, the incessant wor- 
riments which pursued her, — who could have expected that she would be 
60 soon carried away from us, she, who gave such an example of charity, 
of resignation, and of all the most beautiful Christian virtues! All! how 
terrible Death becomes, in presence of such a victim ! And how those, 
who, like myself, admire, without being aljle ever to attain the practice of 
this sweetness, this humility, this charity; so perfect, — must shudder 
when they think of the different reception which awaits them before God, 
at the sight of their impatience, their pride, their hardness of heart, tlieir 
fits of passion, and their resistance, in the midst of the sorrows and trials 
that men must endure in this miserable life! 

" Those poor ladies, who were so much attached to her, what a thunder- 
bolt for them! With all my heart do I pity them, .and I would myself 
like to express my feelings to them. I asked Mariquitta a place in the 
letter she was writing to them, to do so ; — but she told me there was none, 
and it is perhaps, after all, for the best, for I scarcely feel capable of doing 
it. Will you tiien, my good Mother, be my interpreter to them and to 
my good Father. Assure them all of the very vivid and very sincere part 
that I take in their grief. I loved this good Aunt so nuieh, that their loss 
is also a very great one for me. It is, therefore, altogether natural, that I 
should sympatliize with them. 

" We have iuid a great deal of rain these past two or three days, which 
has occasioned colds and inconveniences to many people. Mariquitta suf- 
fered a little from a cold, but she is now better. Marie had already one, 
which lias passed away altogether since yesterda}\ My own health con- 
tinues excellent. 

" Marie develops every day ; she walks, all alone, and promenaded to- 
day throughout the house. Her intelligence is increasing very much. I 
notice that she has a very susceptible character, but, at the same time, an 
affectionate and even caressing one. As you say, violent proceedings will 
obtain nothing from her; and I even hope, when she will have attained 
more reason, tliat it will be very easy to lead her. 

"Goodbye, dear Mamma, embrace for me my Father, my dear little 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 187 

Sisters, as also those ladies, and give my affectionate regards to my good 
friend and dear Cousin, Mr. Callard : I am writing to Mr. Michelon, 

" Your very devoted 

"Jules." 

Mariquitta to her Sister. 

"Fort Brown, August 19th, 1853. 
"Dear Sister, 

"I could not VFrite to you by the Yarth, I was so overwhelmed and so 
sad, that I could not write more than I did ; but I begin my letter to day, 
wishing to send it by the boat that brings tlie troops. Four Companies of 
Artillery are expected at any moment, without any one knowing the why. 
Jules thinks one of his old friends. Captain Wooster, will be among the 
Officers expected. 

"I cannot realize the death of Aunt Lily, it seems almost impossible. 
Limours appears to me so sad now, I cannot think of it without my heart 
growing' sad and heavy. This is what I find so dreadful in a separation. 
You never know whetiier you will ever again see those from whom you 
have parted. I had left Aunt Lily so well, could I for a moment dream 
I was kissing her for the last time ! 

"Jules has Avritten to * Colonel Cooper, asking for the position of 
Assistant Adjutant General, left vacant by the death of Colonel Bliss, but 
he has little hope of success. It is a position too much sought after not to 
have many aspirants, and those in Washington stand more chance, being 
near the authorities. 

" August 22>rd. — The troops arrived yesterday morning and would you 
believe it, the abominable Giles Porter is the Commander! There are 12 
Officers, among whom is Captain Wooster, and 240 soldiers. They have 
taken up quarters in old Fort Brown, just back of us. Yesterday I visited 
their camp and saw tents for the first time. When they informed me that 
six soldiers can sleep in each tent, I thought they were taking advantage 
of my youth ; but it appears it is true, and I pity these poor men with all 
my heart. We are expecting General Suiith with his staff, besides several 
other Companies, so Fort Brown will bear quite a warlike aspect. 

"Yesterday news arrived that 19 more Companies are expected along 
the Rio Grande. The thought of war does not worry me in the least, it is 
the Yellow Fever 1 am constantly dreading. It is rumored that it has 
gained the watering places and that the number of deaths amounts to 1,500 
per week. This is terrifying. I am dreadfully worried for Uncle Charles, 
David, and his family; and I fear that the first boat will bring the news 
that the epidemic is coming up the river. We have had no news from 
New Orleans for some time. AVhat a fearful calamity this Yellow Fever 
is ! The mortality must be much greater than that caused by the Cholera 
in St. Louis." 

* Adjutant General of the Army. 



188 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Mariqxiitia to her Parents. 

" August— 1853. 
"Dear Papa and Dear Mamma, 

"There is thouglit jnsfc now of making us move, •wliich is to me any 

thing but agrceahle. Fortifications are to be placed around Fort Brown, 

and in the plan drawn up our house will have to be pulled down. Notiiing 

is yet decided, and anyhow the work does not commence for two months. 

Jules is charged with the direction of the work, and he will consequently 

be very busy. General Smith and Major Delafield (Chief Engineer) speak 

of giving us in compensation the house they now occupy at Brownsville 

and which they leave to-morrow. Jules says that in this case he would 

be charmed with the change, but he does not count too much on this great 

act of generosity on the part of the General. I do not worry much about 

the matter. Yesterday I received good news from you, and as long as I 

have this consolation I am pretty much indifferent to all else. * * *"' 

Mariqnitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, September 13, 1853. 
"Dear Papa, Dear Mamma, 

" We had a fearful alarm last week. Orders came from San Antonio 
commanding three Companies to ascend the river; one for Ringgold Bar- 
racks, one for Laredo, and one for Eagle Pass. In the precipitation of the 
moment, the names of the Companies were badly read, and Jules came to 
tell me with a long face that Company * K w\as ordered to Ringgold. The 
worse was I could not go, for I could not have found any quarters. I was 
thereupon plunged into the saddest and most gloomy thoughts, when 
Capt. Van Vliet arrived and the good news he brought lightened my heart 
from so heavy a load. Company K stays at Fort Brown with two other 
Artillery Companies, and two Infantry Companies are expected. The 
Garrison is very full and yet we are not compelled to change our quarters. 

" Since this panic, each day I find some new charm in Fort Brown, and 
very willingly resign myself to staying here till Spring, provided that I 
continue to receive, in the interval, good news from St. Louis. 

"General Smith is expected at any moment. lie is coming to construct 
four Forts on the Rio Grande; one at Fort Brown, and one at Ringgold, 
at Laredo, and at Eagle Pass. The Officers are much dissatisfied with 
this, they insist that this work is useless, the banks of the Rio Grande 
being flat and every where accessible. * * *" 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, September 18th, 1853. 
" Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

"Jules received yesterday the announcement that the position of Asst. 

Adjutant General was given before the arrival of his application; but a 

* His own Company. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. Ig9 

very flattering thing for him is that Colonel Cooper, of his own accord, 
has put his name on the list of the aspirants. 

"On the night of the 16th a large ball was given at Matamoras, and 
General Smith came himself, to engage me to go, and used all his endeav- 
ors to induce me to do so, but I was too sad, too worried, to take part in 
any parties of pleasure. Mrs. Webster and Mrs. Moore went for polite- 
ness, but against their will. General Smith goes to-day with all his 
Officers to Matamoras, to invite Colonel Cruz and his suite to a review 
and dinner to-morrow. I do not know Avhat Santa Anna will think of all 
this courteousness ; but I am delighted to see that General Smith desires 
a friendly feeling between the two nations. * * *" 

Mariqiiitta to her sister Madeleine. 

"Fort Brown, October 13th, 1853. 

" Poor old Major Porter does all he can to be on good terms with us. 
Last Tuesday he called for our letters at the Post Office and took the 
trouble to bring them- himself to our house. Poor man ! I do pity him, 
he is so detested in this Garrison ! Whenever I meet him I speak to him 
as if nothing had ever happened between him and Jules, and Jules does 
the same. * * *" 

Mariquitia to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, October 30th, 1853. 
"Dear Papa and dear Mamma, 

"We received yesterday David's letter announcing the new misfortune 
which has overtaken the family. I had hoped till the last, and feel bit- 
terly this loss. Poor great Aunt! poor Vido ! The epidemic has even 
reached here, but, thanks be to God, it is drawing to a close. The Mexi- 
cans and the lower classes suffered greatly, but there were no victims 
among the higher classes. The deaths at Brownsville numbered from 150 
to 200, a large number for so small a population. The epidemic commenced 
here by what they call break bones' fever but quickly turned into real 
Yellow Fever, with black vomitings and all the symptoms of that fearful 
disease. A number of persons were attacked, but many have recovered, 
in fact the gi-eater number. The Garrison was attacked two weeks after 
the City. Twelve soldiers died, but not an Officer ; though ours was the 
only house the epidemic did not touch. God was very merciful to us, 
owing, no doubt, to your prayers for us and to the charity Jules showed 
tiie dying soldiers. He received the last blessing of more than one, and 
I hope this will serve him at some future day. Our little earthly Angel 
was never better nor more beautiful than during that pestilential moment. 
During * Helen's sickness she was as good as possible, not giving me the 



* Marie's nurse. 



190 BIOGRAPHY OF 

least trouble, but now that Helen is well she has recommenced all her 
mischief. But she is so beautiful and so Avell that I am disposed to pardon 
and overlook all. This is the first time I have ever been in an epidemic. 
It is a painful moment to pass, above all in a Garrison, where the funerals 
would affect even a roclc. That military music, that dull hollow roll of 
the drum, that slow and solemn procession, the mournful aspect of all, 
leaves me sad for several hours after each funeral. Jules pretends it 
makes him envious, but not me, I can assure you. I can never again be 
made to believe that fear brings on the disease; for if this were true, I 
should most certainly have died of the Yellow Fever. I had ended by 
becoming so nervous that the slightest noise made me shudder, I could 
not stay alone a moment at night, every thing gave me a longing to cry, 
I was continually imagining I was falling a prey to the Fever. I found 
the yellowness in Jules, I was constantly feeling his pulse, and I had but 
one fixed idea, — and that was the Yellow Fever. I was convinced Jules 
and myself were going to die, and I would sisk myself how w^as Marie ever 
going to find you. 

^'' Nov. ?>rd. — I had two little attacks of intermittent fever this week, but 
I broke them up with a heavy dose of quinine. Yesterday was the day 
for the return of the fever, but I did not have it. But I had taken so 
much quinine that this morning I had fearful cramps, proving irritation. 
I took Paregoric and Laudanum and the}' passed away, and this evening 
I am perfectly well. I did not even send for the Doctor. 

" Marie appeared grieved to see me sufier and would say ' bobo. Mamma,' 
and caressed me in a thousand little loving Avays. Ilcr health continues 
excellent, she is growing fleshier and more beautiful every day. Jules has 
regained his appetite and partly his good looks. I think it is the use of 
wine that preserved us during the epidemic, and Jules has experienced so 
much good from it that I wish you would also try it. No doubt it will 
strengthen you all, especially Madeleine. * * *" 

Remarks of the Rev. Father R. H. Olivier, an exemplary 
Oblate Father, .stationed at Brownsville, subsequent to Father 
Telmon and Abbe Domeuech. 

"It was especially during the Y'^ellow Fever of 1853 that Mr. Garesch6 
gave proofs of his faith, his zeal, his devotion, and also his love for his 
soldiers. 

" Nearly all his Company fell victims to that terrible epidemic, but I do 
not recollect that one of liis soldiers died Avithout receiving all the last 
Sacraments, and without receiving also all the honors of burial. 

"I was myself charged with visiting the Hospital of the Post. During 
this fearful malady I accompanied to their last resting place 72 soldiers. 
But this brave Officer did not fear even to expose his own life, when there 
was question of saving a soul. He was my Aide-de-Camp. One day, I 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 191 

was grievously seized with the terrible Fever, I felt a violent pain in my 
spine, which would not allow me to stand upright, and I Avas all bent. 
However, before taking any remedy I wished to make a last visit to the 
Hospital. I accordingly proceeded to the steward's, to learn whether there 
was any Catholic soldier in danger. He informed me there was not one, 
but that there was a Protestant soldier who was not expected to live 
throughout the night. Seized with an inspiration from on high, I cannot 
believe it otherwise, I directed my steps, suffering myself excruciating 
pains, to the bedside of the sick man. I knew at once that his death was 
at hand and after having spoken some words of consolation I was about to 
retire, Avhen he grasped my hand and squeezed it hard. I understood then 
that he wished to say something to me. I asked him at once whether he 
wished to die as a Catholic. He answered in the affirmative. Immedi- 
ately I called in Mr. Garesch§, who came directly to prepare this poor 
dying soldier to receive baptism. Thereupon, as the disease was making 
rapid progress on myself, I returned home and requested another Father 
to go at once to complete what had been commenced. He, in company 
with Mr. Garesch^, baptized this soldier who died a few minutes afterwards. 
" This is how Mr. Garesche exposed his health and even his life, Avhen 
there was question of God's glory and the salvation of a soul ! These 
traits were not rare with him during that terrible epidemic. It is with 
good reason this brave Christian was called the Soldier ' without fear and 
without reproach.' He always acted without ostentation and as if he had 
no human respect. He was as simple as a child, and even when he would 
be speaking to you it seemed as if he had some timidity in his countenance ; 
but on the other hand, when he was discharging his duty, he was as, brave 
as his sword. Everybody in Brownsville appreciated him, esteemed him, 
loved him, and respected him. He was in every sense of the term, a model 
of virtue, of piety, and of zeal." 

In November 1853 Julius was seized with a virulent attack 
of the Yellow Fever, that terrible Scourge, which he caught 
whilst ministering to the wants of his poor soldiers, prostrated 
with this dread disease. He had given them his unremitting 
attention, day and night, visiting them at all hours and exhibit- 
ing all the tender solicitude of a true hearted Sister of Charity, 
and that, too, when the Protestant ministers of all denomina- 
tions had tied from the pestilential atmosphere and only the 
Catholic Pastor and his assistants remained at their post of duty 
beside the sick and dying. One third of the garrison, officers 
as well as enlisted men, fell victims. 

Julius was attacked in its most fatal form and all looked upon 
his death as certain. The physicians gave him up, declaring he 



192 BIOGRAPHY OF 

was beyond human skill, that no power but God's could preserve 
his life. 

Then in her wild and bitter agony of feeling at the hopeless 
case of this beloved husband, — for she had hoped against hope 
even to the very last moment — Mariquitta had recourse to the 
Blessed Mother of God and put her trust alone in this powerful 
and clement "Help of Christians." It was a cruelly painful 
thought to poor JNIariquitta's fond, loving heart that her Jules 
was about to leave her; he who had so fully displayed through- 
out their married life such a perfect and truly christian love for 
her. All their past life together rose to her mind, and she saw 
pass before her, as in a panorama, every fond word, every affec- 
tionate look, every loving caress, till her heart felt as if it would 
break in the intensity of its suffering. Were they indeed to be 
separated, not for a few months or even a few years, harrowing 
as such a thought would be, but forever and ever in this world? 
Was she never again to welcome him in the evenings, after his 
fatigues of the day, and see his handsome eyes light up with 
pleasure, feel his manly arms folded around her, and hear his 
melodious voice calling her "his darling, his beloved little wife, 
his beautiful INIariquitta?" Was she indeed to live forever 
apart from him ? Was he to be placed in the cold, dark, hard 
ground, and his only companions to be the slimy worms that 
would feed on his beloved remains? The bare thought of all 
this was indescribable agony ! 

Bowed down by the weight of her woe she directed her sor- 
rowing steps to the little Church of Brownsville. There pros- 
trate before the altar of our Blessed Lady, with eyes blinded 
with agonizing tears, she poured forth her sorrow and invoked 
her aid in a most touching petition to preserve her darling Jules' 
life, promising if he were spared her to give to the Virgin 
Mother her beautiful Beads, of garnets and pearls strung on 
gold, that Father Telmon had given her, and which she valued 
most highly, not alone on account of their costliness and won- 
derful beauty, but because they were a souvenir of this good 
priest, and, still more precious remembrance, an offering of the 
holy Pontiff, Pius the Ninth. 

When she rose from her knees after her vow and returned to 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 193 

Julius' bedside she found him in a gentle sleep, sure forerunner 
of approaching convalescence, and the physicians being at once 
summoned were overpowered with astonishment at the change 
and solemnly declared that it was due to no skill or medicines of 
theirs, that it could be traced only to the hand of an All Ifercifid 
Providence ; and indeed Julius' recovery dated from that moment. 
Mariquitta alone understanding the true meaning of this stu- 
pendous change, and feeling assured that her prayer had been 
heard, went aside and poured forth her exultant gratitude to the 
Comfortress of the Afflicted who had so signally granted her 
petition, and soon after, keeping to her vow, placed her exquisite 
Beads around the neck of our Blessed Lady's statue in the little 
Brownsville Church, and there they hung and, I believe, still 
hang, her votive oifering for the miraculous recovery of her 
darling husband's life. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, January 4th, 1854. 
" Dear Papa and dear Mamma, 

" Two Companies of Infantry left Fort Brown to-day to go to Fort Bel- 
knap, at the extreme end of Texas. The last news from Washington says 
an entire regiment is to be sent to California, another to the frontier of 
Canada, one I forget where, and the last is reserved for Texas, which 
proves that all thoughts of the intended war were but a myth. If, as they 
think here, another Regiment is to be formed, Jules is determined to apply 
for the position of Lieutenant Colonel in this new regiment. Do you not 
think my husband has become very ambitious? This change will be very 
agreeable, but I cannot say I am over anxious for it; I am so happy and 
thankful that God has spared my husband that I rejoice in my happiness 
Avithout looking to the Future, unless it be to return to Limours with him 
and my children, and to find you all in perfect health. We are very desir- 
ous for you to see our little beauty and feel sure you will admire her as 
much as we do. Jules is wild over his child, in fact I think he shows 
his admiration much too plainly, for Marie is becoming vei'y aflFected. 
As soon as a stranger speaks to her she lowers her head with a timid air 
and covers her eyes with her hands as if she were too disconcerted, and 
yet she expects attentit)n. I see it must be impossible to raise a little girl 
well in a garrison, so that, if you wish, I will leave her with you when we 
bid adieu to Limours. This is a sacrifice of which I am capable only for 
you. What does her little teacher say to this, also severe little God- 
mother, Toto ? 

" Though regaining his strength but slowly I no longer worry about 
Jules, for he is prudent. Yesterday he eat with a better appetite than he 
has enjoyed since his illness. 

13 



ly4 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"We speak frequently of you and our dear Sisters, and the desire to see 
you is becoming so strong that it often saddens me. Above all since 
Nancy is sick. 

"It is you, dear Mamma, whom we have chosen as the Godmother of 
the future little Garesche. Tlie name is not yet decided upon, but I wish 
it to be Edward de Laur6al Garesch6. 

" Ja«. bth. — I see with pain, dear Mamma, from your letter of the 27th 
November, that you were very worried about us. I fear you must have 
since suffered a great deal, for my letters during two months were very 
sad and probably they did you harm. I feel very unhappy about it, for 
several nights I have dreamed about you and I always see you sad and 
suffering. We sensibly feel, dear Parents, your blessings upon us and since 
we have all three escaped safe and sound from that terrible epidemic, it 
seems as if we should no longer fear danger. Try to be convinced of this, 
my dear Parents, and do not worry yourselves about us. We are per- 
fectly well, and God will, I feel sure, send us back to you in good 
health. *****" 

Julius adds the following to her letter. 

'' Dear Mamma, 

•' I embrace you tenderly, with all my heart. My head is still too Aveak 

to write, but I cannot refrain from telling you how sincerely I love you, 

how frequently you occupied my thoughts during my last illnesses, when 

I recalled the maternal cares you lavished upon me at Limours. I would 

love to send you Marie in recognition of your kindness ; for you I would 

have the courage to separate from her, but for you only ! She is charming 

lately ; beautiful, full of life, intelligent, and loving, and knowing how 

much you love her, I cannot refrain from often saying to Mariquitta whilst 

gazing at her : ' Ah ! how happy your Mother would be in seeing this 

little girl now!' " 

Mariqiiitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, January 11th, 1854. 
"Dear Papa and Mamma, 

****** *-x-***** 

" I see by your letter, dear Mamma, of Dec. 3d, that you expect me soon 
to go to St. Louis ; but that is impossible, though I do hope that it Avill 
not be long before we will be able to make you a visit. Since I have seen 
my Jules twice so near death I feel as if I can never again be separated 
from him. His illnesses have left him very weak, he needs me and his 
daughter, to whom he is devoted, but our thoughts and hearts are always 
amongst you. We speak to Marie so frequently of you that we are in 
hopes she will learn to love you in spite of the great distance which separ- 
ates us. I am anxious she shall love you as much as do her Parents, and 
in this view, when we pay our longed for visit, if you desire, we will leave 
her with you. This is a sacrifice of which we are capable only for 
you. *****" 



LJEVT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. I95 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Mariquitta's attempts to change Julius' ideas on domestic economy etc. — 
his delight with her housekeeping — birth of Octavie — Julius' great joy 
thereat, his witticism and Mariquitta's maternal pride — his departure for 
Mexico on official business — Remarks of General Jos. Roberts. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, January 20th, 1854. 
" Dear Papa and dear Mamma, 

"Jules and myself are making at this moment great efforts to diminish 
our expenses, and prevent their exceeding $70 a month. I am well pleased 
to see I have at last riiade him understand that a woman is more suited 
than a man for domestic economy. I hope he will keep to his good reso- 
lutions, and can soon assure himself that I am not as incapable as he 
thought of taking care of the purse. The first improvement I made was 
to keep an exact account of the market bill, and of other little things. I 
have now induced Jules not to make any more bills with all sorts of 
people. Such bills carry farther than one would imagine, and I induced 
him to keep his charities within bounds, they were altogether beyond our 
means. Little by little I hope to have enough influence over ray husband 
to change his ideas on many subjects. During his last two illnesses the 
deep and sincere love I have shown him, and of which he can no longer 
doubt, has done me good service. 

" Since the last four days he has regained a great deal and is looking 
well and has improved much. To-day he returned to his duties. I am 
overjoyed to see I no longer need worry about him, * * * *" 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, February 23d, 1854. 
"Dear Papa and dear Mamma, 

"Since the day before yesterday Jules has been at Brazos. He has 
worked very hard lately and his health has suffered from it, and I was 
still very anxious about him. I hope this little trip may do him good, for 
the air at Brazos is much purer than here, and there he will have nothing 
to do. Marie is an excellent little companion, and helps me to while away 
the time, so as not to appear so long. She constantly calls for her Father 
and then comes to caress me, to console me, as it were, for Jules' absence. 

"Jules is delighted with the manner I attend to all the housekeeping. 
Last month all our expenses did not exceed $50, and this month with the 



196 BIOGRAPHY OF 

linen wliich I was forced to buy I hope they will not surpass S65. It is a 
great improvement, these two months in comparison with the preceding 



6 

ones 



Mariquitta gave birth to her fourth child and third daughter, 
Octavie, ou the 25th of March, 1854, Feast of the Annunciation 
of the Blessed Virgin. She had been expecting a son ; for after 
Julio's death she hoped to have a boy whom she might call after 
her father, Edward de Laureal Garesche, and this accounts for 
her husband's witticism about " Pierre, Joseph, Raoul, Edward." 

Julius to Mariquitta' s Parents. 

" Fort Brown, Tuesday, March 2Sth, 1854. 
" Dear Parents, 

" Maria, Gabriela, Anna, Josefa, Magdalena, Octavia, salutes you, has 
the pleasure of informing you of her baptism yesterday, and begs of you 
to keep her a very warm spot in your hearts, promising, when she can, to 
love you tenderly in return. She asks as much from her dear little Aunts, 
as well as her little Cousin. Pierre, Joseph, Raoul, Edward, profits of 
the occasion to salute you also, and to send his excuses for having deceived 
you in your expectations. lie fully intended coming, he says, but catching 
a little cold a few days before he should have come, he feared the air of 
this lower world, which they represented to him as very unhealthy. So he 
sends us a very pretty little girl in his place, who easily consoles us by her 
grace, amiability, and tender affection. Besides it was not necessary for 
him to come at this time, he assures us, as he would have been compelled 
to start immediately for Europe, in order to establish order in all those 
nations overthi-own, and the aifairs of that Continent might have i-etained 
him for a long while. It appears the Czar and the Sultan have had a 
narrow escape, for he intended administering to each a famous thrashing: 
and as for the Red Republicans I do not know that a single one would 
have remained. Ah ! Mr. Raoul would have been a renowned hero, I can 
assui'e you ! 

"But I love my little girl dearly, and find her decidedly improved this 
morning. That which probably offended me at first, as it did not appear 
natural, is that she was born with her head covered with thick black hair, 
as black as Mariquitta's ; I send you a sample of it. Mariquitta finds her 
very pretty and says she is the image of Marie at the same age. Others 
insist she already looks like me, that she has the same form of head. Mrs. 
Van Vliet says that she must weigh 9 lbs ; Delphine, the monthly nurse, 
asserts 8 ; and Mariquitta, more modest, says at least 7 positively ; that 
she is decidedly the largest child she has ever yet had. She wishes me 
to have her weighed, but I have too much respect for my little girl, to 
treat her like a Christmas pig. 

" Mariquitta is very happy, very proud, and much in love with her little 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 197 

girl, who on her part is very good. Do not imagine, dear Mother, that I 
exaggerate. You would be altogether surprised to see how well and strong 
Mariquitta is, suffering little, and looking happy and contented. I look 
upon it as due to the protection of St. Anne, and as two miracles were 
performed during the mission of our good Oblate Fathers, since the com- 
mencement of the Yellow Fever, I feel assured that the Blessed Virgin, 
in a special manner, watches over their parishioners. I hope this will 
make Mariquitta more confident in Divine Providence, and of the help we 
receive from God. Compare this birth with the others. Then she had 
you near her, the most tender and devoted of mothers, and also her much 
loved sisters, and dear Aunts. Thus she would always like to be sur- 
rounded. This time she had only me, who cannot do much ; her physician 
displeased her, every thing was against her, and yet see the result ! I am 
very grateful to God and Ilis Saints, — above all to the Sacred Heart, Saint 
Anne, and Saint Peter, my patron. 

"I wrote you, by another opportunity, the day before yesterday, and I 
will not repeat the details I then gave. 

" Marie is a little jealous of her little Sister. You are the Godmother, 
dear Mother, of our dear little girl; Ferdinand is the Godfather. You 
were both represented by Mr. Gonzales and Mrs. O'Donnell. 

" Good-bye, I embrace you all very tenderly, 

" Yours lovingly, 

"Jules." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, April 11th, 1854, 
" Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

"Jules received yesterday the order to go to Camargo, or rather to the 
Quarter Master General of General Woll. He goes as Quarter Master to 
buy 200 horses. To accompany him is impossible, and if Limours were 
not so far off I would go there to stay during his absence. At least, if I 
could but have Madeleine or Octavie during this separation ! Oh ! how 
happy Nancy must be to be so near you ! Pi'ay to God with me, that 
Jules can follow his good inspiration, and that he can enter the Engineer 
Corps as he desires, because then we will live in St. Louis. Jules expects 
to find General Woll at Camargo, but he may be compelled to go on to 
Monterey or Tampico. I Avarned him that should he remain aAvay more 
than fifteen days, and the Perseverance (a magnificent steamboat) ai'rive, 
I Avould start in it with my two babies ; but I do not think this idea wor- 
ries him much, for he is charmed with the trip he has to make. * * * " 

Remarks of General Joseph Roberts, U. S. A., retired : 

" I was well acquainted with Mr. Garesche for many years, having been 
in the same Regiment (the 4th Artillery) with him, and an Assistant Pi'O- 
fessor at West Point when he was a Cadet. I recollect him well at the 



198 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Academy as a fine scholar and a model student, standing high in his 
Class. As an Officer he was one of the most correct and accomplished in 
the Army. His selection to be an Assistant Adjutant General when the 
Army was small and composed of so many choice Officers, Avas a high tes- 
timonial to his ability and standing in his profession. He was not only 
an accomplished Officer, but a devoted husband and fixther and a sincere 
Christian. On one occasion at Fort Brown, Texas, when I was his guest, 
one of his children was taken very sick, and I never Avitnessed greater 
devotion and care in nursing the child. 

" In consequence of his accomplishments as an Officer and linguist, he 
was selected by General Persifor Smith, commanding the Department of 
Texas, to go to Camargo on a mission to the Mexican General Woll, who 
was a great friend of President Santa Anna and Governor of the State of 
Tamaulipas, in regard to having a decree prohibiting the exportation of 
mules from Mexico to Texas, suspended temporarily to enable the Army to 
procure mules for transportation of Military supplies at a time when they 
were greatly needed by the Quarter Master. 

"His mission was completely successful. I accompanied him from 
Ringgold Barracks (now called Fort Ringgold) to General Woll's Head 
Quarters at Camargo. The General invited us to dine with him and his 
brilliant staff, all of whom, including the General, were in full uniform. 
I shall never forget the dinner party which was one of the most pleasant 
and agreeable I ever attended. Lieut. Garesche was the most conspicuous 
guest and was very entertaining and agreeable. He conversed fluently in 
French, Spanish and English with difiFerent persons at table. With Gen- 
eral Woll who was German and did not speak Spanish very fluently he 
conversed in French, with General WoU's Aides in Spanish, and with 
others, including myself, in English. General Woll appeared highly 
pleased and talked of the operations during the War between Mexico and 
the United States, and also of a former i-esidence in the United States 
when he became acquainted with General Scott and other Officers who 
were prominent in our War with England in 1812." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, May 4th, 1854. 
* ******* -:r*** * 

" This trip to Camargo was very beneficial to Jules. Ilis health seems 
to be altogether re-established. * * *" 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RES CHE. I99 



CHAPTER XX. 

Julius' departure on an Indian scout and Mariquitta's sorrow and fears — 
he opens a wagon-road — little Marie and Tavie — his ambition about be- 
ing loved by them — additional remarks of Father Olivier — Julius' devo- 
tion to his Company, his pride therein and their splendid appearance and 
drill — Mariquitta's grief at his prolonged absence — his visit to her and 
accident to his watch — illness of his mother, his wish to soothe her dying 
moments and his sadness — his longing to visit again his Mariquitta and 
children, and his description of his internal strife of "Conscience" and 
" Love" — sets forth and meets Bishop Odin and Father Olivier — sacrifices 
his pleasure for the sake of his horse — his return to Fort Brown — death 
of Mariquitta's uncle Louis — her devoted love for her children and hus- 
band — Julius' final return to Fort Brown. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, May 16th, 1854. 
" Dear Papa and dear Mamma, 

" It is with a heavy heart I take my pen to write, my Jules has just left 
for a campaign against the Indians. God alone knows how long he will 
be absent, and the thought of. the dangers that overshadow him makes me 
feel altogether unhappy. It cost him a great deal to leave us, though in 
his secret heart he was charmed with the expedition. Every one assures 
me that the-Indians have already gone and that the troops who are sent 
will not find them ; but still I cannot conquer my sadness and fears. Oh ! 
if after this expedition, God gives me back my Jules safe and sound, I 
will not give him a moment's peace till he leaves the Army! A man as 
near-sighted as he, runs too much danger in battles. I cannot explain to 
you how desolate I feel. 

" Mai/ 18th. — My children are well, Marie as mischievous as possible, 
Tavie a good little baby, who wakes only once during the night, and who 
scarcely ever cries. I miss Jules dreadfully in the cares necessary for 
these dear little creatures. He proposed my going to rejoin you, but in 
spite of the desire I have of seeing again Limours, I cannot leave Texas 
just now, I have too much need of news to move from here, and Jules' 
camp being only 60 miles off, I hope to hear frequently from him. * * *" 

On May 16th, 1854, Julius was ordered to proceed with his 
Company on a scout after Indians who were depredating in the 
vicinity, after which he opened with his men a wagon-road from 



200 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the little Colorado to Las Animas, and engaged in various scouts 
up to November 23, 1854, when he returned to Fort Brown. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, May 24, 1854. 
*** ********** 

"I have already heard tliree times from Jules since his departure, and 
I trust his absence will not be as long as I feared at first; for the Indians 
have already retraced their steps and there are no more to pursue." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, June Ist, 1854. 
"Dear Pata and Mamma, 

"I have a little time which I wish to devote to giving you news about 
US. Jules is still at Las Animas; I hear quite frequently from him, ho 
assures me he is enjoying perfect health, and that there is not the shadow 
of an Indian in his neighborhood, but in spite of this I am very worried, 
and often feel overwhelmed. I try hard to accept patiently the cross God 
sends me, so that He may spare all my loved ones. But this is the first 
time I have found myself alone in the midst of strangers, and it seems 
very, very hard. 

"Happily my little girls keep me very busy from morning till night, 
and they are a great consolation. Marie begins to chatter like a little 
magpie. She is always calling for ' Papa Jules,' and expects always to 
meet him when we go out; I make her repeat all your names morning 
and night, it amuses her a great deal. 

"I am going to have my little Octavie vaccinated this week, because it 
is reported there is a great deal of small-pox at Matamoras. I think my 
baby still very little, but as she is perfectly well and the Doctor assures 
me there is no cause for worry in vaccinating her, I will let him do it, 
trusting to God to spare my child from the disease. 

"Dear Papa, Jules' greatest ambition is to be loved by his daughters as 
much as you are by yours. 

"Good-bye, my dear Parents, I must leave you to take my children out. 
They join me in sending a tender embrace to you and to all their little 
Aunts. 

" Your aflFectionate daughter, 

" Mariquitta."' 

Further Remarks of Father Olivier of the Oblate Fathers 
concerning Julius: — 

"The folloAving trait illustrates the great faith of this great Christian. 
" One day, I believe it was Saturday, a Mexican came to ask me to go 
and marry him at his ranche, 16 leagues from Brownsville. We started, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 201 

both on horseback. The weather was frightful, and the roads even more 
villainous. Towards ni<;ht-fall a heavy rain overtook us, and willing or 
not, we were compelled to keep on ; for there was no habitation in these 
parts. Towards nine o'clock we arrived at the entrance of an immense 
forest, and still the rain did not cease. We had scarcely ridden three or 
four miles when we perceived a light on the edge of the road, arid on my 
inquiring the meaning of this light in the forest the Mexican answered, 
that it was the camp fire of the soldiers of Lieutenant Garesche who were 
working at enlarging the road from Brownsville to Corpus Christi. Arrived 
near the camp we were asked, 'Who goes there?' On my requesting to 
speak to the Lieutenant I was at once conducted to his tent. You may 
judge of his surprise at seeing me at this hour, in the middle of the woods, 
on so terrific a night ; but with what goodness and affability did he receive 
me! Of course, he would not permit me to continue my journey. He 
said : ' Remain here, to-morrow morning you will say the Holy Sacrifice 
of the Mass for us. and after breakfast you can continue your route.' I 
esteemed, appreciated, and loved him too much not to comply with his 
desire. However, one thing pained me in remaining; I foresaw that, as 
there was but one bed in his little tent, he would give it to me, and where 
would he then sleep ? When we were about to retire, after having conversed 
for a long time, there occurred between us a contest, rather animated, as 
to who should have the bed and who should not ; but the strength not 
being equal on both sides, he carried off the palm of victory. For I slept 
in the bed and he on the ground. Behold the Christian in every .s-ense of 
the term! Next morning I said Mass in his tent, at which all his soldiers 
assisted. I have a recollection that he then went to Confession and Com- 



Julius' Company was essentially a Catholic one, the majority 
of the men being Catholics, Under his careful and skilful 
management it attained the worthy and rightful appellation of 
being " one of the finest Companies, in every respect, in the 
service." He received many encomiums for the splendid ap- 
pearance, drill and discipline of his men. Entirely unselfish, 
he never spared himself when there was question of promoting 
their good, and the necessary consequence was that he was almost 
idolized by them. Some years afterwards, when the Company 
was transferred to Florida, immediately after a parade, in which 
it took part with the other Companies stationed at the same Post, 
it drew forth loud bursts of applause from all the officers who 
witnessed its evolutions. Its new Commander, who had just 
arrived to take the command of it, upon being complimented, 
declared that it was owing to no credit on his part, since he had 



202 BIOGRAPHY OF 

just assumed its command, but solely and entirely to the care 
and dev^otion of his predecessor, Lieutenant, now Brevet Captain 
and Asst. Adjt. General, Julius P. Garesch^. 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, July 11th, 1854. 
" Dear Papa and dear Mamma, 

" Since I last wrote Jules came to pass a day here. lie arrived at 
midnight, and ratlier than wake rae preferred to sleep, all wet as he was, 
the rest of the night, on the porch in front of the door. 

"He was on horse-back for 15 hours, travelling over the most abom- 
inable roads, without drinking or eating. He had a little fever the fol- 
lowing morning, but took no heed of it, attending to his business, and two 
days after left at seven o'clock A. M., for Las Animas. 

" In returning he was forced to ford a ravine, which had been swollen 
by the continual rains, and he thought he had ruined his watch, as it 
would no longer run. He sent it back to me, and an excellent watch- 
maker at Matamoras mended it for S'2.50. saying there was very little to 
do and that he guaranteed that it would run as well as before the accident. 
I hope he speaks truly, for this little misfortune had pained Jules, and he 
will be agreeably surprised to find his watch in good condition. 

" He was charmed with my appearance and the plumpness of Octavie, 
and in his last letter he said that the day he spent at Fort Brown seemed 
the happiest of his life. 

" Poor dear husband ! I cannot say the same for him ; for I found him 
looking so thin, so burnt by the sun, and with such a tired look, that it 
wrung my heart to see him go, and I would have given any thing to have 
been able to keep him. Six weeks of fatigue, worry, and troubles are 
suflBcient to produce a great change in the looks of a man. I hope he will 
come this week to balance his Commissary Accounts; but there are some 
new rumors of Indians, so that I fear he will not be able now to leave his 
men. 

" This sepai'ation costs me so much, that at times I am completely over- 
whelmed, demoralized ; the sight of my children is the only thing which 
makes me bear up and sustains my courage. 

" I always send Jules your letters, it is a great pleasure for him to read 

them. Probably it is good for him to have these bodily fatigues. God in 

His goodness may have given him this campaign to destroy thoroughly the 

remains of his Yellow Fever : but it is very hard for us both to be thus 

separated for so long a time and without any idea as to when this separation 

will end. * * *" 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, July 20th, 1854. 
" Dear Papa and Mamma, 

" The sad news Jules received of his Mother by the last packet has in- 
duced him to apply for a Leave ; but I do not as yet know whether he will 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 203 

receive it, and whether he will profit of it, even should he receive it. He 
thinks it would be better for ine to stay here with my children, as he will 
be away but a very short time, but I am far from willing to let him go 
alone. 

"The only thing that could prevail upon me to make this sacrifice 
would be if my children's health should suffer from the voyage. I under- 
stand perfectly that Jules wishes to soothe by his presence the last mo- 
ments of his poor Mother; he says he would reproach himself all his life 
if he neglected, through his fault, this last sacred duty, — and at the same 
time the thought of leaving me alone in the midst of strangers makes him 
hesitate. 

" Poor man ! his letter is very sad and shows me clearly the hard strug- 
gle his heart is enduring. * * *" 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Las Animas, Friday, August 25th, 1854. 
"My own precious little Wife, 

"Yesterday I experienced so cruel a disappointment as to be almost 
overcome. For several days I had been forming plans of going to Browns- 
ville on the 24th, (yesterday) to make you a visit, for my courage was at 
its lowest ebb. My mind was the prey of endless discussions, for my true 
motive was the burning desire to be near you and our dear children — this 
1 could not disguise from myself. Here my conscience smote me, saying 
'your duty claims you here.' Love could not deny this, and knowing I 
had to deal with an old grumbler, who did not conceal his scorn for the 
weaknesses of human passion, tried to discover a thousand excuses for his 
scheme, all founded also on ^ drdy,^ which, said he, also called me to Fort 
Brown. It is useless to tell you all that was said on both sides; suffice it 
to say, that one pleaded my cause with an ardor, courage, and zeal, worthy 
of every admiration ; — while the other, firm, or rather stubborn, and alto- 
gether inflexible, always found means to confound the most beautiful 
arguments of my dear defender ; at last it ended by nothing being decided. 
Nevertheless the night before last. Love always persistent, and seeing sud- 
denly his opponent apparently confounded, and not knowing for the mo- 
ment what to answer to a new course of reasoning that he had just found, 
profiting immediately of his advantage, quickly gave the order that I 
should be awakened the following morning, an hour before sunrise, that 
my horse should be saddled and every thing ready, so that I might go and 
make a visit to the ' road party,' ' and that probably I might go as far as 
Brownsville.' In short, the following morning, I was en route so early, 
I could scarcely discover my way in the darkness, and urging on my horse, 
I had already ridden over half way to Canicitos before sunrise. Arrived 
near this last ranche, my horse (who had been sick from an epidemic 
which exists among the horses of the neighborhood) commenced slack- 
ening his pace. Not understanding this I made use of my whip, and we 



204 BIOORAPIIV OF 

thus arrived one half the distance to the Arroyo, or very nearly ; but my 
whip was broken, my horse looked as if he could no longer dran himself, 
and ' conscience,' who had pursued us, like a Fui-y, for some hours, over- 
took us and triumphantly overcame my poor Love, and commanded me to 
return. 1 stopped, said a ' Veni Creator," reHected seriously for a moment, 
and then feelinii God had spoken, I dismounted and returned on foot, 
leading my poor horse by the bridle, to the entrance of the thicket of 
Canicitos. Entorini; this ranche, I had the liappiness of meeting our good 
Bisliop* and the amiable Father Olivier. I spent three quarters of an 
hour in their agreeable society. After this they started for tlie .Vrroyo, 
and I was again tempted, I even had a struggle very, very painful and 
hard williin myself; because his Lordship offered me a seat in his buggy, 
and I louiTod so mucli. so verv nuioh to see vou, mv dearest! But I 
thought, my horse unable to follow us. what was I to do with him? I did 
not know. l)o might die, if not attended to; and all the old reasonings 
came to assail me in a troop, saying it would be wrong in me to go. I 
remained accordingly, but tlie temptation was so strong, that had mv 
horse been in his general good health, I feel sure I would have yielded. 
It was then with a heavy heart I saw his Lordship leave; the sadness that 
claimed me as its own was very great and did not pass away till this morn- 
ing, wlien Hope came to console me, promising me, if God did not oppose 
it. I would positively by the 15th of September be with my own dear, dear 
Mariquitta. and njy little darlings. Father Olivier says Marie is lovely. 
His Lordship told me seriously that I must not whip nor scold her severely, 
that passionate children, like her, always turn out the best, but they must 
be raised by love and reason. 

"They have come for my letter. Good-bye, dearest, kiss tenderly for 
me our two little Angels. A thousand kisses for yourself, my own sweet 
one, 

"Your loving husband, 

"Jules." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Browx, September 5th, 1S54. 

************* 

" My health continues good, but I have no longer as good color as when 
Jules came to see me on the 29th of June. I am expecting him at the 
end of next week and would like very much to regain before his arrival 
the good looks whit^h gave him so much pleasure. * * * * 

"My eye though better is still very weak, so that I am obliged to limit 
my correspondence for the present to you, my Sisters and Jules."' 

* Mgr. Odin, Bishop of Galveston. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. O A RESCUE. OQS 

Mariqiii//a to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, September 28tl), 1854. 
"Dear Pata and Mamma, 

"Jules is with me since the last fourteen days ; ho intended leaving this 
morning, hut tlie had woatlier prov(Mit(Ml, to my grout joy. As another 
Ollicer has joined his Oompaiiy 1 hope that iiencelbrth he can come oftener, 
as unfortunately General Smith seems to be making no move to recall 
these Companies to their Garrisons. 

"I found Jules looking well. Tliis camp life seems to agive witli him, 
he is growing fleshier, and appears to have gotten over all the bad effects 
of his Yellow Fever. 

"lie finds his baby too charming and never tires of kissing her. Poor 
little Marie is so happy at her Father's return, that she has regained her 
animation and beautiful color. It is impossil)lo to find a n\orc affectionate 
child than she is. She is nuiking improvement in goodness. 

"Last Tuesday I received yours and Octavie's letters of August 27th, 
dear Mamma, and they reassured mo with regard to the health of my Sis- 
ters. Here we are all four well and I hope the new physician, whom wo 
are constantly expecting, will cure my eyes. * * *" 

Julius adds the following to her letter. 

" Dear Mother, 

"I found my thi-ee treasures in perfect health. Mariquitta is stronger 
than you would dare imagine, Marie is a little languid and pale, but is not 
sick. 3Iy baby is fat and fresh as a rose I She has greatly improved, and 
though her features are not as fine and delicate as IMarie's, she is more ad- 
mired ; she is a very pretty little girl. Slie is very white and her flesh is 
as solid as could be desired. It is impossible to see a finer child, and, plump 
as she is, she does not look cither licavy or stupid. She is well made, 
lively, strong, always nu)ving, while lier eyes sparkle witii animation, and 
a smile reigns constantly on her lips. 

" I embrace you most affectionately as well as Father and my Sisters. 

" Your loving son, 

"Jules." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, November 4th, 1854. 
"Dear Papa and Mamma, 

" I have i\ot heard from you since I learned of the death of Uncle * Louis, 
and I am so worried about you, dear Mamma, that I feel very disconso- 
late. I cannot think but of you, whom I see sick, ])lunged in the depths 
of grief, and I find it very cruel to be separated from you in this your 
hour of need. Dear, dear Mamma, Oh I I implore of you, do not be too 



* Her maternal uncle, consult Page 81. 



206 BIOGRAPHY OF 

cast down by this cruel blow I What would become of poor Papa without 
you? and of my Sisters, myself, and my children? You are too much 
needed, you are our all. 

" I could not believe this horrible news until I had read it myself, above 
all, as Jules told me that during the Mexican War he twice heard of the 
death of an Officer who is still living, and yet his death was stated as a 
fact ; but all hope fled when I read those two names Coudroy which was 
spelled Coudroit and LanrM spelt Laureals. W^hen I first heard of this 
battle of the Alma I little dreamed of what it would cost us. 

" I fear this loss will be bitterly felt by Madeleine and I dread the effects 
upon her health as well as your own, dear Mamma. Oh ! what would I 
not give to go to you now. Marie is so lovely, so affectionate, that I feel 
her presence, her caresses would do you good. She is very sensible and 
intelligent. I have no more fears for lier education, for I see that taking 
her by her feelings we can do any thing with her. Tavie is very bad just 
now, she makes me pass miserable nights. Jules wishes me to wean her, 
but I prefer waiting till February if I can stand it. Iler health has been 
so good thus far that I do not wish to change her food. 

" We have had five Masses said for Uncle Louis. Jules wrote to you 
last week by the Corpus Christi mail. His Company has returned to Fort 
Brown, but we do not know for how long."' 

Mariquitta to her Sister Madeleine. 

"Fort Brown, November 21, 1854. 
" Dear Madeleine, 

" I wrote to all my other Sisters by the last boat, and I do not want you 
to think that I am hurt by your silence, for I comprehend perfectly the 
cause, and I shall be very sorry, on the contrary, if you should injure 
yourself by writing to me more frequently. 

" Marie speaks constantly of you, the name of Aunt Toto is always 
mentioned in her stories. 

'' I do not know whether my own motherly love blinds me or whether I 
see correctly, but I confess that according to my own opinion, I have never 
seen more beautiful children tlian my own. Generally, Tavie is the more 
admired, on account of her little sprightly air and her beautiful complexion, 
but really Marie is the more beautiful. 

" I am so impatient to see Jules appear that each moment I find myself 
looking at the gate of the garrison, and I tremble so with excitement that 
I can scarcely write. If he comes this evening and in good health, I shall 
write to you at greater length by next Friday's mail. 

"Good-bye, dear Sister, my daughters join me in embracing you vei-y 

tenderly. 

" Your very affectionate Sister, 

" Mariquitta." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 207 

The following are extracts from letters of Mariquitta to her 

Parents. 

" November 9th, 1854. 
" The exile of my poor husband (from Fort Brown) is not yet finished. 
It appears as long to him as it does to me, and that is saying a great deal." 

" November 15th, 1854. 

•' I have had no letter from Jules for many days. Mr. Best should have 
gone and relieved him since before yesterday, but I doubt very much 
now whether he will go at all." 

" November 21, 1854. 

"I am expecting Jules to-day. Mr. Best has finally decided to go and 
take his place, and, as Mr. Nimmo has arrived by the last boat, I hope 
that Jules will not be compelled any more to leave me. i received yester- 
day a long letter from him, he is as sad as one of the Penitential Psalms. 
With what joy must he have received Mr. Best!" 



208 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Temporary detail of Julius as Quartermaster — Mariquitta's pride at the 
glorious soldierly death of her uncle Louis — Julius at the head of the 
list of First Lieutenants and the probability of his soon becoming Cap- 
tain — cost of living at Fort Brown as compared to the North — "Julius 
and her children are Mariquitta's world of happiness" — his devoted fond- 
ness for his little girls — his grief at his mother's death — his enthusiasm 
over the capture of Sebastopol — Father Fred's description of Alexander's 
noble advice and Julius' refusal to accept of it, viz., Father Fred's own 
small inheritance — further remarks of Brother Roudet — remarks of 
Mother Ste. Claire — Julius' translation of " lleminiscences of an Officer 
of Zouaves" and reference to certain notes of his in it — remarks of Mr. 
Francisco Gonzales. 

Additional extracts from letters of Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"February 11, 1855. 
"Jules is obliged to take the place of Capt. Van Vliet as Quartermaster, 
until the arrival of Major Chapman, who conies to relieve him." 

" March 8, 1855. 

" My poor Jules is overwhelmed with work and worn out with fatigue. 

" He subscribed for you for the Propagateur Catholique about a fortnight 
ago, so do not bo surprised, if you find this paper in your box at the Post 
Office. 

"As it speaks a great deal about France and the War in the East, he 
thought he would give you pleasure by presenting you with a year's sub- 
scription, lie has already paid for the year. It is only a trifle." 

Mariquitta to her Mother. 

" March 20, 1855. 
" Dear MAMArA, 

"I have just received by the Corpus Christi mail your letters of the 
28th January, 11th and 25th February, as also Mr. d'Ormoy's, which you 
had the kindness to copy for me. We read this last with much emotion, 
and I feel the need of reading it again. Poor dear Uncle, what courage 
he showed, what a noble heart was his ! I am proud to call myself his 
niece and the name of De Laur6al is dearer to me than ever. 

" Lately we had a funeral in the Garrison, it was only a simple soldier's, 
and yet all the music, and all the preparation for the funeral procession 
had a solemnity and mournfulness that belong only to military obsequies. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 209 

I thought of my dear Uncle during this funeral, and it was almost a con- 
solation to think that he had received all the last military honors. 

" Do not worry about my eyes, dear Mamma, they are almost well. To 
prove the truth of my words, this is the fifth letter I have written to-day. 
Octavie tires me a little, but as I positively intend weaning her this week, 
she will not fatigue me much longer. 

"Have you yet received the numbers of the Propagateur Catholique? 
Jules has subscribed for you for this paper, as I have already told you, 
and I hope you will find pleasure in its perusal. 

" Alexander has sent us as a present the ' Courrier des Etats Unis,^ 
which is full of news about the Eastern Army. I read it with much 
pleasure." 

Mariquitta to her Parents. 

"Fort Brown, March 27, 1855. 
"Dear Papa, dear Mamma, 

"Good news! * Captain Hunt has been appointed Paymaster, so that 
Jules is now at the head of the list of 1st Lieutenants and the first one 
who will become Captaiin. Moreover, if Captain Howe receives the place 
of Assistant Adjutant General, (which is probable) Lieutenant Garesch6 
then becomes Captain of his (Captain Howe's) Company and his Post will 
be Leavenworth. The first mail will, undoubtedly, decide this question. 
Dear Parents, what a happiness, if I could soon find myself near you ! 
It would be so nice. 

"I received your letter this morning, dear Mamma, of March 6th, and 
that of Tavie, dated the 21st of February. Yours gave me great relief, 
for you tell me that you are all in good health, and I had been excessively 
anxious about Madeleine and Octavie, on account of what you had said in 
your letter of the 25th of February. I see that my fears were groundless, 
and that those colds, which had given me such a fright, had nothing 
alarming in them. 

" Tavie tells me that Robert was the cause of the stiff neck of Made- 
leine, whom he had caused to laugh so immoderately whilst he essayed 
the role of a Prima Donna. 

" The cost of living in the North frightens me. How does Nancy con- 
trive to get along? Compared to the prices of New York, I can assure 
you that living here is very reasonable. It is true that our three cows and 
our poultry help us a great deal. Though to-day be but Wednesday, 
already I have made three pounds of delicious butter. Yesterday, I had 
fourteen eggs, and nine on the preceding day. This is charming, con- 
sidering that we have but a dozen hens. We have also some pigeons, 
which sometimes produce us delicious dishes. At market we are able to 

* Capt. Franklin E. Hunt, 4th Artillery. Julius was Godfather of hi& 
son Fred. He is the Capt. Hunt whose name has already occurred in these 
pages. 

U 



210 BIOGRAPHY OF 

get good chicory, almost white, and lettuce and magnificent cabbages at 
only a bit (12^ cents) apiece. 

"I mention all this, as I think it will give you pleasure to know what 
advantages we have here. If it were not that the sea separates us and so 
many thousands of miles intervene, I should not ask any thing better than 
to remain here ; for there is only you, my Sisters, Robert and Tavio* who 
are wanting. The pleasures of this world are no longer for me, since they 
force me to leave my little darlings. You all, Jules and my children com- 
pose my world of happiness and pleasure, and what 1 desire is to find our- 
selves all reunited again. It will be two years on the 26th of the next 
month since I left you, and it is probable that about that period the question 
of our departure vrill be decided. 

"We are all in good health. Adieu dear Papa, dear Mamma. Jules 
and my children join me in embracing you both very tenderly, as also my 
Sisters, ray Brother Robert and my little Niece. 

" Your cherished daughter, 

" Mariquitta." 
Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" Fort Brown, April 8th, 1855. 

" Octavie's letter made me laugh, when she said that judging from Jules' 
letters she feared he was too severe on his little girls. Her fears would 
soon cease if she could see him with Misses Marie and Tavie, who do with 
him exactly as they wish. Day and night he spoils them. These j^oo?- 
children never are wrong, he always finds some excellent excuse to explain 
their screams or their caprices. It is only in his letters he is a severe 
Father. He could not be more occupied by his children than he is nor be 
more tender. * * * *" 

Additional extracts from Mariquitta's letters to her Parents, 

" June 5, 1855. 
" Jules is harassed with work, which renders him lazy in corresponding." 

"August?, 1855. 

"Jules wishes to write to you, but having learned of the death of his 
Mother, I doubt whether he can do so, for he is altogether overwhelmed 
by such terrible news. 

" I do not believe that the Companies of this Post will be sent this year 
against the Indians. At any rate Jules as Quarter Master cannot leave, 
so that even should the other officers be compelled to go the order could 
not affect him." 

" October 25, 1855. 

" As you say, we heard of the capture of Sebastopol with a great deal of 
pleasure. On that day Jules was carried away with enthusiasm and joy. 

* Her little niece, Octavie Bakewell. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 211 

There was no one, I believe, but old Major Porter, who read the news 
without emotion. He is sure even yet that Sebastopol is not taken, that it 
is only the outskirts of the town which are in possession of the Allies." 

About this time the following circumstance occurred. I shall 
describe it in the words of Frederick, Julius' younger brother 
and a member of the Society of Jesus. 

"It was in 1855, just after my Mother's death, Alexander wrote to me 
that considering the cii'cumstances of the other members of the family, 
our Mother being dead, who had hitherto enjoyed the interest of my 
patrimony, he advised and urged me when the time came to take my last 
vows and give up my small inheritance, that I should do so in favor of 
Julius and his wife and children. He showed me how Julius was by his 
state of life prevented from the hope of making a future for them, or even 
laying by money from his salary. 

" I had always hoped that I could have given what little I had to dis- 
pose of to the same cause to which I had consecrated my life, the glory of 
God and the good of my neighbor ; but after consulting my Confessor and 
having asked and received the permission of my superiors, I wrote to Julius 
to make the offer. I told him the reasons adduced by Alexander, and en- 
forced them as well as I knew how ; assured him that if he were single or 
without any one dependent on him, I would not, knowing him so well, 
have ventured the proposition. I pleaded only for his wife and children 
and wound up by saying that I would not accept his first thought or sen- 
timent, but required that he should take three days for consideration, and 
after prayer and conference with his Confessor, he should write me his 
conclusion. 

'• A beautiful and touching response came from him. After thanking 
me in the most affectionate manner he said, that I was right in anticipating 
what would be his first judgment — to make an indignant refusal. But he 
had taken the three diiys and would not accept for his wife and children 
what he thought belonged to God and the Church. He would be afraid 
that it would bring no blessing; he preferred to trust them to the Divine 
Providence, and he adjured me to think no more of it, and certainly never 
to renew the offer as it pained him. 

" I am convinced that he never made the offer known to Mariquitta. 
This I add, because when the final settlement was made in her behalf 
[after Julius' death], she did not allude to the former offer, which she cer- 
tainly would have done, knowing, as I do, that in all things she tried to be 
guided by wliat she deemed would have been Julius' wishes." 

Further remarks of Brother Eoudet. 

" This good Lieutenant Garesche was a perfect model of a brave soldier 
as well as a truly Christian man. Every morning he served Mass in his 
militai-y costume. If the roads were bad, he carried a pair of slippers 



212 BIOGRAPHY OF 

which he put on at the door of the Church, out of respect for tlie holy place. 
lie went to Confession and Communion every Saturday. He would will- 
ingly have gone on Sunday, for he was above human respect, but when 
he proposed it to his Director, Rev. Father Yerdet, the latter decided in 
favor of Saturday. However, when he was unable to go to Communion 
on Saturday, he would then go on Sunday at the High Mass, and always in 
full uniform, to the great edification of every one. He always acted in a 
just, charitable and conscientious manner, and he was thus exposed to 
great calumnies. 

" One year, he obtained permission for us to buy our bread at the Gar- 
rison, and we were not the only ones, there were many from the city who 
did likewise, because this bread was cheaper. Moreover, it was a profit to 
the Quarter Master. But some among his brother Officers, as they were 
Protestants, made use of it to denounce him to the Government on the plea 
that he was furnishing the Catholics at its expense (and at this period this 
was a very serious charge). The thing went so far, that he was on the 
point of being put into prison, because he did not even try to justify him- 
self; but in all probability a friend spoke for him and his innocence was 
soon established ; and instead of descending he mounted in rank, and his 
accusers descended. It was then that he was appointed Quarter Master, 
and he continued always to have the full confidence of his superioi-s." 

Remarks of Mother St. Claire, Superior of the Convent of the 
Incarnate Word at Brownsville. 

" I have not forgotten Mr. Garesche. He was very good to us. It was 
he who in concert with his soldiers and the lamented Father Verdet organ- 
ized and carried through successfully a certain fiiir for our Convent and 
for the Church of Brownsville. It was he who also organized the beauti- 
ful celebration of the laying of the first stone of the Church of Brownsville 
and caused cannon to thunder forth all through the ceremony. Indeed the 
ceremony was splendid, surpassing any thing ever seen at Brownsville. 
He was pious, charitable and good. His name always figured at the head 
of the Subsci'iption lists gotten up for works of charity." 

Julius, who was an excellent Linguist, subsequently, in 1859 
or 1860, ably translated from the French, during some of his 
spare moments, "The Reminiscences of an Officer of Zouaves." 
He was too modest, however, to inscribe his name as its Trans- 
lator, and there were but very few comparatively who knew of 
his connection with this perfect translation of an interesting 
work. In certain parts occur the following notes of his. 

On Page 7 of the Introduction, referring to the Zouave Offi- 
cer's solicitude in seeing that his men are properly fed, that the 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 213 

" stomach's gratitude' ' is by no means an unmeaning expression, 
he says : 

"Were this ' stomach^ s gratitude' a little more thought of and attended 
to in our Army, we should not have one-third of the number of deserters 
which now annually exhausts its strength." 

• Ao'aiu, referrino; to the division of tlie Zouave soldiers into 
Privates of different classes, he adds: 

"Few things are more wanted in our Army, than this division of the 
privates of a company into two classes, drawing different pay. There 
exists now no distinction, either as to pay or privileges, between the old 
experienced soldier and the raw recruit — between those whose conduct is 
uniformly irreproachable, and those who never neglect any opportunity of 
making beasts of themselves. Such a division would hold out a standing 
inducement to good behavior, and a wide field of reward for it ; whilst, at 
the same time, providing a new means of punishment, of a simple and yet 
effective nature — that of degradation from this class. It would also con- 
tribute greatly to the formation of a more honorable and soldier-like 
feeling among the men. It has the advantage too, of creating, as it were 
a school for non-commissioned officers, in which the more promising pri- 
vates can undergo a certain probation for the office. And, finally, it sup- 
plies a much needed means of rewarding those good and valuable soldiers, 
of whom there are so many, who, from being destitute of that fire and 
commanding energy essential to the character of a good non-commissioned 
officer, are compelled to vegetate as privates amid the herd of those Avho 
are undistinguished by any particular good qualities. Every good com- 
pany officer has felt the want of some means by which he could prove to 
these men, that he appreciated their worth ; and there is not an officer in 
our Army, but would gladly hail the passage of an act, which should 
authorize a division of this kind to be made in our companies. Nor need 
this reform cost the U. S. any thing. For, if the number of those who 
may be mustered in the first class, be restricted to one-third of all the 
privates, actually belonging to the company — and their pay be increased $2 
per month beyond what it is now, this amount can at once be supplied, by 
cutting down the pay of the remaining two-thirds otie dollar below what 
it is now ; so that the pay of a first-class private shall b^$13, and that of 
a second-qlass private $10 per month. And, so far from this reduction 
operating to discourage enlistments, it will, on the contrary, supply to a 
better class of men an additional incentive to enter the Army. For, instead 
of §11, it holds out to them the almost certain prospect of $13 a month." 

And in speaking further on of the 2d Zouaves suffering less from 
the effects of the Cholera in the East than the other regiments of 
their Division, owing to their care of their rations, he says : 



214 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"How much a more generous diet contriljutes, not only to the content- 
ment, but to the health of the men, is a fact abundantly confirmed by the 
translator's own experience. He was, on one occasion, stationed at a post, 
garrisoned by five companies, and which was cruelly ravaged by an epi- 
demic of yellow fever. The men of the company to whieli he was attached, 
■were no more acclimated than most of the others, their duty was tlie same, 
they were equally exposed, — yet, the proportion of deaths among them was 
relatively so small, as to excite genei-al remark. There was, naturally, a 
cause for this exemption ; — which could be ascribed to nothing else, how- 
ever, than to the superior manner in which — thanks to a large company 
fund — they were fed and cared for. The strength of their cofiFee was 
doubled, and it was served to them, the first thing in the morning, before 
they Avere permitted to go out into the morning dews ; a small cup of strong 
cofi'ee was again given to every man after dinner; and the men on guard 
were fortified against the damp vapors of the night, by the same powerful 
febrifuge. In addition to this, their fare was improved by many little 
extras ; and the sick and convalescent were supplied, from the same fund, 
•with broth, chickens, eggs, gruel, custards, &c. 

" At another time, the scurvy broke out, in the only other company then 
serving at the post ; there were some eight or ten cases of the disease in 
that company — there Avas but one in the translator's. — And this one man, 
a delicate youth, who had been for some time previously in the hospital — 
there, caught the disease from the others, as the doctor himself admitted. 
Here, again, the principal difference between the two companies, was, that 
whilst one had a company fund, from which many little extras were fur- 
nished to it, the other had no fund, and was, therefore, reduced to its 
ordinary rations ; w4iich, whatever may be asserted to the contrary, are 
not sufficient, in quantity, for a hard-working man, nor of suitable quality, 
for men exposed to such trying vicissitudes of climate, as are the soldiers 
of our Army." 

Mr. Francisco Gonzales, a Mexican gentleman residing in 
Brownsville, a great friend of Julins and who stood Godfather, 
as l)roxy, for his little daughter, Octavie, and now Mexican 
Consul to Galveston, Texas, here says : 

" My recollection of the noble Lieut. Garesch6 marks him, a man of high 
sense of honor, — most kindly disposed, but very retiring in his manners; 
of decidedly studious habits, and very much attached to his profession. 
A strict disciplinarian, but no stricter with his men, than with himself; 
and one Avho in case of any epidemic, or serious sickness, would have 
nursed and attended them witli the kindness of a father. Exemplary in 
his attendance at Cluirch, and in the fulfilment of all religious duties. In 
a word, a perfect Christian Catholic gentleman and preux Chevalier in its 
fullest sense!" 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 215 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Julius' appointment to the Adjutant General's Corps, and correspondence 
of others in connection therewith, and his own acceptance of appointment. 

I HAVE already shown by Mariqiiitta's letters how Julius 
had applied to Colonel Cooper, the Adjutant General, for the 
appointment of Assistant Adjutant General in his Corps, to fill 
the vacancy caused by the death of Col. Bliss, though he enter- 
tained but little hope of ol)taining it ; and of his receiving a very 
flattering reply from Col. Cooper, regretting that the position 
was filled before the arrival of his application, but that anyhow 
he liad himself placed Julius' name on the list of aspirants for 
the next vacancy. AVell, it seems that without Julius' knowl- 
edge there were others who also were working in his behalf, as 
part of the following correspondence illustrates. Moreover, Col. 
Cooper was exceedingly anxious to have hirn attached to himself, 
as he had seen and learned enough about Julius to be fully con- 
vinced that he would be a valuable addition to his Corps in 
every way, and a good and useful Aide to himself. 

" March 6, 1855. 
" Hon. Jeff Datis, 

" Secretary of War, 
" Dear Sir, 

"As the promotion of Capt. Canby opens an appointment in the Adju- 
tant General's Department, I take the liberty of suggesting to your con- 
sideration the name of Lieut. Garesch6 of the Artillery for filling it. My 
particular inducement for doing so is friendship for the very estimable 
family of his Uncle .John P. Garesche, Esq., of Wilmington, Del., with 
whom I became acquainted in his capacity of gunpowder contractor for 
the Ordnance Dept. But from what I have heard of Lt. Garesche's char- 
acter and qualifications, I feel confident that, in proposing him for this 
appointment, I am also consulting the interests of the service. He was 
educated at the Geoi-getown College, understands the French and Spanish 
languages and is highly esteemed in the Service ; has prepared himself 
also for the Bar. 

" The late appointments in the new Regiments, which give so much 



216 BIOGRAPIIV OF 

satisfaction, by the evidence of appreciation of the claims of merit and 
services, may dispense with the mention of colhxteral recommendations, 
or I migiit add that the Uncle of Lt. Garesch6 could bring strong influence 
from leading Democrats in Philadelphia and Delaware: and it may not 
be an objection that the young man himsolf was born in Cuba. 

" Not being able to see you this morning I have taken this method of 
securing at least the consideration of his claims. 

" Yours respectfully, 

*''A. MORDECAI." 

" St. Louis, Mo., April 28, 1855. 
" Hon. J. Davis, 

" Secy, of War, 

"Dear Sir: 

" I have been informed that Lt. Julius P. Gai'esch6 of the 4th Artillery 
has been recommended for the post made vacant in the Adjutant General's 
Departmont by the promotion of Bvt. Major Canby. My intimate ac- 
quaintance with, and liigh regard for the family of Lt. Garesch^ prompt me 
to say that the appointment, if made, Avould be most worthily bestowed. 
The family, you are probably aware, has been Democratic and zealous in 
its support of the present administration. No gentlem^en stand higher, 
or are more entitled to esteem and confidence than the Messrs. Gareseh^. 

"It is proper for me to state that I write this note without the knowl- 
edge of Lt. Garesch6 : but solely for the purpose of bearing testimony to 
the worth of a deserving gentleman, whose pi-omotion would be gratifying 
to myself and the friends of the Administration. 

" Yours truly, 

t"SAMi' Treat." 

" St. Louis, Mo., April 28, 1855. 
" To TUE President 

OF the United States : 

" I have been informed that Lt. Julius P. Garesch6 of the Fourth Regi- 
ment of Artillery has been recommended to fill a vacancy caused in the 
Adjutant General's Department by the promotion of Bvt. JNIajor Oanby. 

" My intimate personal acquaintanoe witli tlie family of Mr. Garesch^, 
and my high regard for them, induce me to say that the appointment 
would be very gratifying and I doubt not would be worthily bestowed. 



* Major A. Mordecai of the Ordnance Corps. 

f Judge Treat of St. Louis, one of the most distinguished Jurists of the 
country, whose name has so far extended across the Atlantic that, in a 
recent visit to Europe, the unusual compliment was paid to hira by the 
English Judges of asking biui to be seated beside them on the Bench while 
the Court was in session. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 217 

The family of Mr. Garesch6 here are among youi- most devoted political 
friends, and I know of no persons more worthy of the highest esteem. 

" Yours truly, 

" Samuel Treat. 
" P. S. I address you on this subject without any knowledge on the part 
of Lt. Garesch6 that I had any intention of so doing ; or that I was even 
aware that his name had been mentioned in connexion with tlie post thus 
vacated. On hearing tiuit he had been recommended for the post, I de- 
sired to bear testimony to his worth and to the fact that his promotion 
would be very gratifying to your friends here." 

"Adjutant General's Office, 

"Washington, November 7, 1855. 
"Hon. Jefferson Davis, 

" Secretary of War, 
"Sir: 

" I have the honor to lay before you the applications (fourteen in num- 
ber) on file in this Office, for the appointment of Assistant Adjutant Gen- 
eral, to fill the vacancy occasioned by Captain (Brevet Lieut. Colonel) 
■*Canby's promotion to the 10th Infantry. Tlie applicants, all of whom 
are 1st Lieutenajits in their several regiments, arc arranged according to 
regimental rank — the dates of their first Commissions being also given, as 
follows : 



1. Julius P. Garesche. 

-X- 



Date. 
18 June, 184G. 



llegiment. 
4th Artillery. 



First Commission. 
1 July, 1841. 



(Note. Then follow the other 13 Officers, among whose names appear 
those of James A. Hardie, Fitz-John Porter, Geo. W. llazzard, John 
Gibbon, Richard C. Drum, James B. Fry, Geo. W. Lay and Winfield S. 
Hancock.) 

" Of the Officers above named, I respectfully recommend that the ap- 
pointment be conferred on the Senior, 1st Lieutenant Julius P. Garesch6, 
of the 4th Artillery. Lieut. Garesch6 is a gentleman of great moral 
worth, a ripe scholar, speaks fluently the French and Spanish languages, 
and is a zealous, active and efficient Officer. He is now serving with his 
Company in Texas, where he has been on duty for several years past. 
" I am. Sir, with great respect, 

"Your Ob't. Servant, 

" S. Cooper, 

"Adjutant General." 

Secretary Davis' Endorsement. 

"Recommendation approved. Lieut. J. P. Garesche will be appointed. 

"Jeffn. Davis, 

" Sec. of War. 
"9th Nov. 1855." 

* Killed by the Modoc Indians at the Lava Beds in 1875. 



218 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" Fort Browx, Texas, Nov. 20, 1855. 
" Col. S. Coopeu, U. S. A. 

" Adjutant General, 
"Sir, 

'.'I have the honor to report my grateful acceptance of the appointment 
of Asst. Adjutant General, conferred on mo by the President: and, here- 
with enclosed, I bog respectfully to return to your Office, as directed by 
the lion. Socrotary of War, (duly filled up, signed, and attested,) the form 
of oath, transmitted to me with iiis letter of the 9th inst. 
" I have the honor to be most respectfully, 

" Your Obedient Servant, 

" J. P. Garesch^, 

"A. A, G.' 

Herewith is Julius' oath of acceptance : 

"I, Julius P. Gareseho, appointed an Asst. Adjutant General and Brevet 
Captain, in the Army of the United States, do solemnly swear, that I will 
bear true allegiance to the United States of America, and tiiat I will serve 
them honestly and faithfully against all their enemies or opposers what- 
soever ; and observe and obey the ordei-s of the President of the United 
States, and the orders of the Officers appointed over me, according to the 
Rules and Articles for the government of the Armies of the United States. 

"J. P. Garesch^, 

"Bt. Capt. & A. A. G." 
'' Sworn to and subscribed before me, \ 

at Brownsville, Texas, >• 

this twenty-seventh day of November, 1855. J 

"BuDD II. Fry, 

'* Justice of the Peace, 

'' Cameron County, 

"Texas."' 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 219 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Julius' nnd Mariquitta's pleusuro iit liis appointment — their departure with 
their children for Limours and his own thence for Washington — his letter 
to Mariquitta's mother descriptive of his anguish at seeing his wife and 
Marie's sulferings on their voyage from Texas and his uncertainty as to 
his future destination — birth of Louis — Marie's suffering — incident of 
Julius' kindness to a Cadot-r-Julius' return to Limours and his resigna- 
tion at having to return thence to Washington alone. 

JuLTUs' appointment as Brevet Captain and Assistant Adju- 
tant General, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the appointment of 
Capt. Canby to the Majorship of the 10th U. S. Infantry, dated 
from November 9, 1855. 

One can readily imagine his pleasure in receiving this bril- 
liant position, so flattering in every respect. 

The Adjutant General's Corps ranked high in the Army, was 
one of its most important branches and was necessarily eagerly 
sought after. It was really the ranking Staff Corps, and only 
Officers of acknowledged talent and merit were admitted as 
members. 

Mariquitta, too, was delighted and beyond measure, though of 
late she had begun to grow a little attached to Fort Brown — 
which, it is true, had witnessed some of her saddest but also 
some of her happiest days, when surrounded by Jules and her 
little daughters and with good news from Limours. 

On December 13, 1855, they left Fort Brown with their little 
family, amid the lamentations and heartfelt regrets of all those 
who had known and been able to appreciate them. They crossed 
the Gulf of Mexico once more, but for the last time, and after a 
long and fatiguing journey were again in beloved Limours, sur- 
rounded by their loving relatives. There Julius remained for a 
few days, and then tearing himself away from his darling Mari- 
quitta and beloved children he hastened on to Washington, to 
report for duty in his new sphere of action, leaving his family 
at the Homestead until they were sufficiently recovered from the 



220 BIOORAPHV OF 

effects of their long trip by water from Fort Brown to be able 
to make the more archicnis one by Rail to Washington. 

He arrived in Washington abont the IGth of January and 
was warndy welcomed by Col. Cooper and immediately assigned 
to his new post of duty, for which he soon showed himself every 
way litted and capable. 

Julius to Mariquitta s Mother. 

*' Washington, Sunday, Januai'y 27, 1S56. 
'' Dear !^^AMMA, 

"I roooived last evoninij; your letter of the l22nd, and thank you very 
affectionately for having so kindly wished tlius to give me news of my 
dear Mariquitta. And I am very contented to learn that, in spite of her 
wretched nights, and the slavery in which my poor little daughters keep 
her, she has the air of picking up and has a good appetite : — which, with 
her, is alwa^'s a good sign. From what she remarks, dear INIamma, I see 
that 3'^ou are also fotiguing yourself a great deal with those poor children ; 
and knowing you as well as I do, always so devoted, so ready to sacrifice 
yourself, even entirely to forget yourself, — I believe it. I keenly regret, I 
can assure you, regret with all my heart, that I am not able to be near the 
bedside of my little Marie, to spare you all this fatigue, and to partake of 
that of ray own beloved Mariquitta. I acknowledge that I was delighted 
with the necessity which forced me to go far away for some days ; because 
my nervous system had been so much exercised by the sight of the suffer- 
ings of njy wife, and my children, during that wretched voj'age ; the con- 
dition of Marie, and her tears produced on rae such an effect, — that, really, 
I needed to go far away for some days, to calm myself, and to revive my 
spirits. But, now, that I am entirely recovered, it costs me a great deal 
not to be able to return near 3mu. 

'" You ask me, when can I return ? I can really give you no information 
on the subject. My Chief has as yet breathed nothing to me in regard to 
Vl\\ future destination. I addressed the question, short, last evening to an 
Olfieer of the Corps, who has more intercourse with the Chief than myself, 
and he answered, that he knew absolutely nothing about it; — that he him- 
self had been called here, more than two years ago, in the same manner as 
myself, that is to say, in a provisional manner, and not expecting to remain 
here more than six weeks ; and yet, here he is, at the end of that time, 
witliout ever having received other more permanent orders. lie added, 
that he supposes, that in the Spring there will be many changes. But, as 
I am one of the youngest in the Corps, it is more than probable, that, if I 
am sent away fi-om here, it will be to go to Santa Fe or to California. But 
all this is only conjecture. I doubt ver^- much, whether any thing is yet 
determined, even in the mind of our Chief. 

"As the man is just coming to take my letter, I must bid you Adieu, 
dear Mamma. I embrace you with all my heart, as also my Father, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 221 

Octavie, Dollette, and my other Sisters, when you see them, and remain, 

always, 

" AV'holly yours, 

" Your-son, 

"Jules." 

On the 30th of June, 1856, Mariquitta was delivered of a 
little boy at Limours, baptized Marie Joseph Louis. The baby's 
Godparents were its Aunt Octavie de Laureal and Uncle Alex- 
ander Garesche, who was represented by its Grandfather de 
Laureal. 

During this year little Marie commenced to be a great sufferer 
from her spine and the poor child's pain was at times most in- 
tense. Her trouble had all been brought about by the careless- 
Dcss of a nurse who allowed her to have a severe fall. It 
grieved the affectionate hearts of her Parents to see how she 
suffered. Physical aid seemed of hardly any use, and then they 
had recourse to the pious and clement Mother of God. 

The following incident occurred in the Summer of 1856, 
illustrating Julius' kindness and generosity of heart, even to 
strangers. 

A certain young Cadet, about to graduate on the 1st of July 
of that year, was exceedingly anxious to enter the Corps of 
Topographical Engineers and wrote to that effect to the Secre- 
tary of War; but through his inexperience in such matters he 
did not direct his communication through the proper military 
channels, and it was accordingly returned to him, with a very 
severe endorsement from the Adjutant General. The poor young 
man was at first not only intensely disappointed at the failure 
of his application but mortified beyond measure with the reproof. 
What then was his happiness when on looking at the bottom of 
the page containing the Adjutant General's endorsement he saw 
M'ritten in lead pencil and signed by Julius the following: 
" Your communication was sent to Congress upon the 10th of 
June for assignment to the Topographical Engineer Corps !" 
At once all the young man's anxious and mortified feelings dis- 
appeared like a flash and he felt deeply grateful to the kind- 
hearted Officer, who had thus indirectly given him to understand 
that his hopes would be realized. 



222 BIOGRAPHY OF 

In the month of September Jnlins returned to Limours to 
bring on his beloved family, but fearing that his infant boy and 
ailing Mariquitita were not sufficiently able as yet to make tlie 
long and tiresome trip, he resigned himself to make the sacrifice 
and came back to Washington with a sad and heavv heart at 
the prolonged separation from all those he held so dear. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 223 



CHAPTER XXIY. 

Julius' description of his return to Washington — his grief at leaving his 
little family — presents his father-in-law with a pair of eye-glasses — reason 
why it is not easy for himself to accept presents — visits his Cousin Amelia 
— her insisting upon his arranging for a Novena for Marie's cure — begs 
Mariquitta to obtain all necessary prayers, tells her what to do and says 
what he will himself do — about cure of Amelia's sister Mary — urges 
Mariquitta to a most devout preparation and submission to the Will of 
God should the cure not be effected — entreaty about the can of water on 
the stove — visits Gen. Walbach, Mr. McLane and Capt. Hazzard in Balti- 
more — CaptTPhelps' transfer — Julius' trust in God for Marie's cure — his 
liking for his present position and entire satisfaction therein — compli- 
mentary visit of the Secretary of War — Father Roccofort's description 
of Julius' wish to go to Communion daily without exciting unnecessary 
comment — return to his same Boarding House — Col. Cooper's warm greet- 
ing and kindly sympathy — Julius' wisli to visit Algiers and his fears of 
not realizing it — Capt. Hazzard's idea of Col. Cooper's intention of 
always keeping Julius in Washington — Julius consults with Majors 
Mordecai and Lee about his voyage, and their views — suffers from a 
severe cold — extreme sorrow for the sufferings of his little Marie and 
admiration of Mariquitta's firmness — loving advice to her about Marie 
and commiseration for her trials in Marie's sickness — longing to know 
whether !Na misses him and his great love for her — how fearfully he 
misses his little Louis — passion for his babies — attends a dancing soiree 
at Col. Cooper's — his liking for Col. Cooper — necessity of the Army being 
increased and his hope of one day writing ^' Col. Garesche'' upon his 
visiting cards — attends a Mission by the Redemptorist Fathers — Father 
Deshon — expatiates upon his great love for Mariquitta and his children, 
and that to God alone must they have recourse for Marie's cure, and that 
it is better to give Alms to His Poor than uselessly feeing physicians — 
Julius' Manuscript of the death and ascension of the Blessed Virgin — 
further remarks of Mr. John T. Doyle. 

Julius to Mariqiiitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, October 26, 1856. 
"Again must I begin a long series of letters, but I cherish the hope 
that it will not be as great as formerly. I arrived here, darling, this 
morning at six. I reached Baltimore yesterday at 2 P. M., and had in- 
tended to have come on by the 5 P. M. train ; but I lost so much time in 
searching for a Hotel, where I could procure a good bath, that I was com- 
pelled to renounce my intention. 



224 BIOORAPHV OF 

" I succeeded on the very day of my arrival in St. Louis in completing 
all my businoss matters tlicro and left Ferdinand's house at GJ P. M., and 
this side of the llivcr at 8 P. M. JNIy heart was very full. My adieux to 
your Father also cost nie a great deal : I felt as if I were breaking the last 
link of the chain which bound nic to Iiinu)urs: — every thing within me 
sank ; — my heart was full of sadness. Your Father also appeared very 
sorrowful, I feel sure that he loves nui very much. 

"I was able to say farewell to Marie, DoUette,* Didi,t your Uncle Jean 
TJaptiste de Laur^al, the do Pombirays, J Juliette, § all of my own relatives, 
and the Tctanls || and Boislinitrcs. I could not resist the temptation of 
presenting your Father with a pair of eye-glasses. I fear he may object 
to accepting them from mo since I refused his great-coat; but you must 
not allow of this. I can repeat in perfect sincerity what I have already 
told him, that he is mistaken in his motive lor my refusal, for I experi- 
enced no dislike to the reception of a gift from him. Have I ever mado 
• any difliculty in placing myself under obligations to him? Does he not 
place me under a great obligation in doing so much for yourself and our 
children? No! 1 refused because the great-coat was of no use to me. 
Tliis w!is the simple and only reason. The truth of the matter is, that it 
is not easy to make mo presents: my tastes are so positive, my iiabits are 
so fixed, and 1 do not know how to oppose them. Your Father might 
have ofiered me the finest hat to be had, and no consideration could have 
induced me to wear it. lie might have given me a shawl, and I would 
no more have used it; and so with other things. Y'ct if he insists so 
strenuously on making me a gift, let him bestow it upon you — some 
trifling ha(ji(tdlc fur your simple toilet, and he could not ailbrd me greater 
pleasure. 

" I had a fine trip, the weather was not warm, and the route was free 
from dust. Notliing either extraordinary or interesting occurred. I pro- 
vitU-d myself before starting with some chocolate which I bought of Guen- 
audon but which I found detestable: and from St. Louis to Harrisburg, a 

* Dollctte and Dole, pet names of Adele. 

f Augustine, second daugiitcr of Charles de Coudroy do Laureal — tho 
first cousin of Mariquitla's parents — and Eliza Lemorcier de Pombiray. 

In Franco it is customary, as a mark of respect and afteetion, to address 
one's cousins, when they are elderly and nuirricd, as Uncle and Aunt. 
Hence Mariquitta always calls this Cousin Charles, as also his brother Jean 
Baptiste, Uncle and their wives Aunt. 

X Family of Lemorcier do Pombiraj' who had twice married into the 
Do Coudroy do Laureal family, viz., Augustine to Joan ]5aptiste in 1830 
and Eliza to hia brother Charles later. Like Mariquitla's parents, their 
first cousins, these brothers and tho Lomercier do Pombirays left Guadeloupe 
in 1848, having lost their groat wealth by tho troubles. 

^ Juliette IMeLane, wife of l?auduy P. Garesche. 

II Cousins of Mariquitta. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCIIE. 225 

distance of about 900 miles, subsisted on a half pound of it, for Rail Road 
travel completely destroys my appetite. 

" At Baltimore I paid a loni^ visit to Amelia.* The Reverend Mother 
was present at our interview and was most gracious to me. She gave me 
a Scapular, an Agnus Dei, and a Gospel of St. John, and allowed me to assist 
at the Salve Regina, chanted by the whole Community accompanied with 
many evolutions by the Religious, Amelia made many queries about 
Marie and so insisted upon it, that I promised her I would reiiuest you to 
arrange for a Novena of Masses in honor of the Blessed Virgin to obtain 
Marie's cure. She related to me that her sister, 3Iary f Willcox, had thus 
been almost miraculously cured. I wish tlien that you would write to 
Father Emig at the College (a devoted friend of my family), to ask him to 
take charge of it and to enlist tlie whole Jesuit commun-ty to aid us by their 
prayers. Also mention it particularly to Father Damen, Father Gleizal, 
Brother De Meyer, and Brother Rcisselman (Dr. Henry) one of my good 
old friends. Try to obtain the prayers of the community of St. Joseph's 
Convent in Carondelet. Fix the day for its commencement so far ahead, 
that not only shall 1 be advised of it, but in time for me to notify the Rev. 
Mother of the Carmelites, who has promised me the prayers of her entire 
community; as also my Aunt Lalite, tliat she may obtain those of the 
Academy of the Visitation, I will obtain those of the Jesuits here and at 
New York, and perhai)8 those of the Redemptorists. Let the Novena, if 
possible, be in honor of the Immaculate Conception. Tliis would b(! my 
desire, but confer in respect to it with Father Emig, and write me in full 
and with the greatest particularity all the arrangements agreed upon. Of 
the former Novena, I received tlie lirst news only after it had begun. lu 
the Novena for Mary Willcox, it was ai-ranged that every day either two 
members of the family or two of their intimate friends should approach 
the Holy Communion Table. I do not see how you can do this at 
Liuiours: I will write to Alexander that at least one of the members of 
my family try to do this, and I will go to Communion myself as often as I 
may be permitted, 

"Do not fear! do not murmur! do not lose courage! During the 
Novena sliould Marie grow even much worse, that may indicate that a 
miracle is about t(j take place. In the case of Mary Willcox, she was at 
the moment of her cure so sick, that she said to Amelia : ' I feel so badly, 
that I believe God is about to vouchsafe me my recovery, you know tliat 
it always happens thus.' In the interval do as I intend to do: prepare 
yourself by tiie most fervent prayers, a greater patience, more sweetness, 
charity, love of God, and submission to llis Holy Will. Moreover, both 
before, during and after the Novena, make the sacrifice of your child to 



* His cousin, Amelia Bauduy, nee Keating, a Carmelite Religious in 
Baltimore. 

-j- Mary Keating znarried Mr. James "Willcox of Philadelpljiu. 

10 



226 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Illm fur Ilis greater glory. Consent in advance, with heartiness, that she 
sh(»iild consecrate herself to God, if it be His Will to call her to His ser- 
vice. I tell you frankly I have an innate conviction that this Novena, 
even though it should not obtain her entire cure, will nevertheless power- 
fully contribute to it; and that Ave will eventually o1)tain it, if we only 
continue to iin])lore it of God. Moreover, I feel convinced that Marie, pos- 
sessed of a heart which loves so tenderly, so deeply, can never be happy 
in the world and is called to love God alone 1 

" I forgot to tell you, and I now earnestly beg of you, to keep, night and 
day, on your stove a large can full of water. Otherwise every stove, and 
especially an air-tight one, is very, very unhealthy. Ventilate your room 
also at least twice a day ; morning and evening, if you can, leaving for a 
few moments both door and windows open. Do not forget to toll me how 
you like your stove. 

"I called at Baltimore on old Gen.* Walbach, also on Mr. McLane, 
Juliette's father, and on Ilazzard.f The last appears but too happy, his 
wife is very pretty. 

"Capt. Phelps has received orders to leave Fort Brown with his com- 
pany, which has been assigned to Fort Leavenworth. He has been trans- 
ferred to an Artillery Commission, Avhich will bring him Eastward, or as 
lie expresses it, to a civilized country, for many months ; and behold iiim, 
in ilno, very happy I 

" At times I feel a little sad, but I am generally full of courage and hope. 
It comes to ray thoughts that God is ready to grant to the prayers of the 
Blessed Virgin the cure of our dear child, that she may give Him in return 
her heart, so loving, so tender, so sensitive. Then again I look out upon 
the fine career before me. I receive proof every day that I am more 
appreciated than even I deserve to be. Hazzard related several incidents 
in this regard which gave me real pleasure. Upon my arrival here I 
found the card of the Secretary of AVar awaiting me, which he had left in 
person. Admit that he knew I had loft, admit that he is just as attentive 
to others, — nevertheless I feel complimented by this attention, I know 
that he would not have done so for eoery one, and coming from a man iu 
his position it is a great deal. 

" .Send me soon good news of our dear Madeleine, I expect them. Em- 
brace her for me, also your Mother, Father, Sisters, and our darlings and 

believe me always, my dear little wife, 

" Your good and devoted 

"Jules." 

* His lato Commander, Colonel of the 4th Artillery, and the same who 
had been anxious to have him as his Adjutant. This OfBoer felt a sincere 
rcsi)eot, great admiration and warm friendship for Julius and was himself a 
most excellent Catholic. 

f Capt. Geo. AV. Hazzard, who gallantly lost his life subsequently during 
the War of the llebellion while defending the cause of the Union. 



LIEUT. COL.- JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 227 

One morning, in the latter part of 1856, Julius visited his 
Confessor, Father Aioysius Roccofort of the Society of Jesus, a 
good and worthy French priest, iu his room at Gonzaga College 
(then situated on the North side of F Street near 9th and imme- 
diately opposite Mrs. Spalding's, where he was boarding), and 
stated that as he was a daily communicant, he feared that if he 
received the Holy Sacrament daily iu the one Church, St. Pat- 
rick's, he might thereby give rise to talk. He wished that no 
one should know of his action, and yet he did not want to forego 
it. He had thought to remove the difficulty by going every 
morning to a different Church, but there being but four in the 
City he begged the Rev. Father to give him Communion on the 
off mornings in the College Chapel. To this proposition, made 
with all humility and piety of heart, his Confessor willingly 
acceded, and Julius was thus able to continue his exemplary 
practice without ^royo/cin^/ unnecessary remark. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Washington, D. C, Wednesday, October 29, 1856. 
" Dearest, 

" Constantly am I besot with the wish to chat with you. I wrote to you 
a line from Ilarrisburg, to let you know that I was safely so near the end 
of my journey ; and since my arrival here I have written to you a lonji; 
letter. I am now waiting with such eagerness for one from you, and to 
learn how my children have borne my absence. 

''1 am installed in the same boarding house; but as my former little 
room was occupied, Mrs. Spalding gave me a larger one at the same price, 
$25 per month. It is an excellent room, airy and comfortable and quite 
as good as the one for which I was paying $40 on my first coming here. 
It has a Southern exposure, and has the sun all day, warming and lighting 
it up perfectly, so that I am quite comfortably ensconced. 

" Col. Cooper greeted me with much .amiability, and after having en- 
quired for news of yourself, expressed his sympathy that I should be 
separated from my family : and told me that at any time I should wish to 
bring you on, or even to visit you, because Marie was not in a condition 
as yet to travel, not to hesitate asking for a Leave of absence and he would 
cheerfully grant it. 

" I have not yet dared to mention to him my project of a voyage to 
France, through fear that he Avould object. The fact is, I begin to abandon 
hope of success in it. Twice I called on Major Lee, to broach it to him, 
but did not find him. Thus far I have spoken of it to but a single person, 
Major Mordecai, who is very intimate with the Secretary and is the same 
person who so warmly recommended me to him for my position as Asst. 



228 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Acljt. General. He lias himself just returned from an extended European 
tour, the Crimea, &c., wliither he had heen sent by the Secretary. He 
gave me but little encouragement. lie said that lie saw no reason why I 
should not ask for the permission ; that my idea was a good one, my motive 
laudable; that my knowledge of the French was a great advantage; that 
he regretted I had not been assigned to their Commission, I would have 
proved so useful to them. But after all he doubted whether the Secretary 
would now send another officer to Europe. 

" Ilazzard has gotten tlie idea (tiiough I do not know how it originated) 
that Col. Cooper has already found me so useful, that so long as he lives 
he will keep me in AVashington. He can give me no reason for this im- 
pression, and I think it to be only one of his imagination. Yet there are 
several officers of the Corps who are looked upon as poor workers, and I 
think myself that Col. Cooper might raise objections against my taking 
such a voyage, which he would regard under the circumstances as only a 
caprice. At all events, I canndt at this moment ask permission, for I have 
a great deal of Avork before me, to prepare the annual reports for Congress, 
and it would be wanting in delicacy to leave behind me so much unfinished 
work, for it to be thrown on some one else. 

" Thursday, October 30. — I saw Maj. Lee to-day and mentioned my de- 
sire of visiting Algeria. The idea favorably impressed him, and when I 
observed that this project already seemed to be but a castle in the air [un 
Chateau en Espagne) he strongly shook his head and answered : ' Not at 
all, there is less of impossibility in it than you think.' Later he said that 
on the next day ho would mention it to Maj. Mordecai, that the latter 
might speak of it to the Secretary. 

" I have, therefore, done all I contemplated. I have a far better chance 
of success through the intervention of these two gentlemen, than if I my- 
self had directly conferred with the Secretary, or had resorted to the usual 
course, that is to say through Col. Cooper, who, I am sure, would but little 
favor the design. If, therefore, Maj. Lee, who warmly approved of it, 
should not succeed, I would not push the matter any further, and regard- 
ing it as a failure, would strive to forget it as soon as possible. In truth, 
I could easily console myself, for I must confess it, the thought of so long 
an absence from you already makes me tremble. From what Maj. Lee 
said I would infer, that should the Secretary send me, it would not be for 
less than a year — a long, very long perspective ! since it would be a year 
of exile, of separation from all I hold dear upon Earth ! 

" I had hoped to have received a letter from you to-day ; but perhaps it is 
yet too soon, although I long to have one. I trust that you are both coura- 
geous and patient, darling, and that yoii will write to me at great length 
about yourself and our children ; and more in detail than you have done 
in former letters. Ah ! if 3'ou could but know how much I miss you ! 

'• For two days past I have had a severe cold in the head, but thanks to 
the quinine and opium I took yesterday to relieve me I am to-day a great 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. ■ 229 

deal better. I am full of courage, and though I frequently think of you 
with a little sadness and much regret, nevertheless I am not overcome by 
the ' blues.' 

"Every day I feel more contented with my position of Assistant Adju- 
tant General, and with my sojourn in Washington. 

"Embrace your dear Mother for me, your Fatlier, Sisters, dear little 
Cissey* Bakewell and say many affectionate things for me to Robert, for 
whom my affection and esteem daily increase ; also many to Dr. f Lewis. 

" Hug and kiss tenderly for me our dear children : a thousand endeai*- 

ing expressions from me to Marie and Na J, and give a tiiousand kisses to 

my beautiful little boy. I clasp you tenderly in my arms, darling, and 

remain always, 

"Your good 

"Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Saturday night, November 1st, 1856. 

" I received last evening, my dear wife, your letter of the 24th October ; 
it is very sad! Marie did not look so well! This pains me. The scene 
you describe, or rather the night you had just spent with her, watching 
her in her apparatus despite her tears, her piteous prayers, stirred my 
heart to its very depths. I realize how your poor heart must have been 
torn by the cries of that dear child; my own bled simply at your recital. 
And yet while admiring your courage and applauding your determination, 
and which m^ own judgment entirely approves, I cannot understand how 
your firmness resisted. I feel tliat my own would have melted ])efore the 
tears of that poor little afflicted one. But I realize also that from day to 
day in the matter of tenderness I grow weaker. 

" May you soon be able to tell me, that our dear little darling has finally 
resigned herself to remaining in her box! Children so quickly become 
reconciled, are so fertile in resources of amusement, and our little angel 
has so much sense, sweetness and patience, that I dare to hope it. As 



* His little niece. Nancy had married Mr. Kobert A. Bakewell of St, 
Louis, a rising young lawyer and a devout convert to the Catholic Faith 
and descended from Scott's Peveril of the Peak and remotely back to a Nor- 
man Count who came over to England with Williuin tlie Conqueror. One 
of his relatives, a Miss Bakewell, married Audubon, the great naturalist. 
In 1875, Kobert was appointed by the Governor of Missouri a Judge of 
the St. Louis Court of Appeals and later, by election, he held the same 
position. 

f His brother-in-law, Doctor N. Lewis Hornsby of Kentucky, then set- 
tled near Limours and a promising young physician practicing his profes- 
sion. A recent convert he became a most exemplary Catholic. He married 
Madeleine (Toto). 

X Julius' little Octavie. 



230 BIOORAPHV OF 

stimulants will be more than ever necessary, don't fail constantly to keep 
in your room a bottle of wine, in order with a little of it to season every 
glass of water she will drink. During AVintor wine will readily keep two 
or three days, and if you think that perchance after the second day it 
miicht sour, you could send that bottle to the table and open a fresh one. 
We must run no risk with our little invalid, and this wine was purchased 
specially for her. Let me implore you, my own Mariquitta, to restrain 
yourself in her regard should she continue to make any resistance to enter- 
ing or remaining in her apparatus : I beg of you never to be impatient 
with her ! Not alone on her account do I make this request, for poor little 
thing, a moment afterwards she wonld, I know, forget it and would bear 
no resentment; but, dearest, on your own account; for should we chance 
to lose her, you would then, remembering it, suffer .so much. I know how 
you are suffering, how you at times are worn out and at others completely 
bereft of strength and fortitude, and if sometimes you are overcome with 
impatience, it seems to me that God would pardon you for it. Be assured 
then that in what I now say to you I wisli only to avoid for you in the 
future perhaps moments of bitterness. 

" Poor dear wife, how my heart grieves at the thought of the frightful 
nights, the painful and toilsome days, which aou are spending alone, ftTr 
away from me, and I unable to lend you any, even the least aid. I thank 
you for the promise you make me of sleeping as much as you can dui-ing 
the day, in order to recruit your strength worn out by so many sleepless 
nights. But will you keep to this promise? Alas, I know you too well 
to dare expect it ! And yet it would afford me such pleasure ! 

" Bear in mind, my dear wife, what I have before so strongly urged : to 
keep always on your stove a large basin full of water, so as to prevent the 
air of your room from becoming too dry. Do not forget this, and let the 
interdict lie absolute that Miss Na shall not approach the stove. To pre- 
vent her being burned this winter I think tliat it would be well to buy a 
fender of an oval shape and at least two feet in height. 

" You do not tell me if Na appeared to miss me ; I fear she did not. I 
dare not flatter myself that I made much inroad upon the heart of my little 
daughter, notwithstanding all my tender affection for her and my efforts 
to win her to me. 

^^ Sundat/, November 2nd. — Do not think that I forget our handsome 
little boy. You may be surprised at it, and yet during my journey I 
missed him even more than my little girls. You know that my babies 
have always been my passion. An infant is something so pure, so inno- 
cent, so velvety, so attractive ! As I did not desire to see my daughters 
emerge from so charming an age, you can imagine what it costs me to 
think that my little boy now so sweet, so delightful, must one day become 
noisy, blustering, saucy, and an urchin, as the most of boys are. 

" I promise you that I will not forget him and that I love him dearly. 
I miss him a great deal and there are moments when I would love to wit- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 231 

ness one of his fits of temper. What would I not give to see his pretty 
little smile, hear his sweet coo, kiss his little satiny cheeks? 

"I am very much occupied at the office, and the days have become so 
short that on my return from dinner scarcely a half hour of daylight 
remains. Yesterday I met Major Lee, but he said nothing to me of my 
project of a voyage to France, so that I begin to regard it as about con- 
demned. 

" On Friday I attended a dancing soiree at Col. Cooper's. I did not see 
how I could refuse this the first invitation. And yet, just as I expected, it 
proved to be for me a real bore, as I knew none of the ladies, so that at 
the first opportunity I spirited myself away. 

" I like Col. Cooper very much, he is so truly amiable. In my regard 
he is every thing I could wish. I am very content with my position, 
it quite reconciles me to the Army, and the futui'e appears to smile 
upon me. For I believe that the increase of the Army will soon become 
an absolute necessity, without which it will be impossible to obtain officers. 
Every day our best officers abandon the service. Already this year have 
we announced 28 resignations and we have since received twenty more. 
The Army, moreover, must be increased, especially if we should acquire 
the Island of Cuba; hence I do not in the least despair of one day writing 
upon my visiting cards ''Col. Garesch^J' 

" Tenderly kiss my little childre)? for me. How did my little girls like 
the letters I wrote to them ? Very lovingly do I clasp you in my arms, 
my beloved Mariquitta, and always remain in all truthfulness. 

" Your good Jules." 

Jtdius to Mariqiiitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, November 2, 1856. 

" I forgot to tell you, darling, that Dr. Abadie instead of living in the 
city, as I supposed, stays at Jefferson* Barracks. It is useful for you to 
know this, should any sudden need of a physician occur, too urgent to 
send to St. Louis. 

"Do not forget when you meet Boislinifere, always to remember me 
afiectionately to him, for he is a man I dearly love. 

" In the Church of St. Patrick's, just opposite my lodgings, the Redemp- 
torist Fathers have begun a Mission which I shall regularly attend and 
from which I hope to reap great fruit. Onef of them is an old acquaint- 
ance of mine, a graduate of West Point, who was there at the same time 
as myself, later an officer of the Army. He was then a Protestant, but 

* Military post on the Mississippi Kiver six miles below Carondelet and 
about three from Limours. 

f Father Geo. Deshon, a graduate of West Point in 1843 and a universal 
favorite at the Academy, and a capital horseman. Upon his graduation he 
was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Ordnance Corps and promoted 
1st Lieutenant of the same Corps July 10, 1851. 



232 BIOGRAPHY OF 

immediately on his conversion, he renounced the world to consecrate 
himself entirely to God. I have just returned from a visit to Iiim. 

'• To-day, dear wife, I expect a letter from you and I hope that I may 
not be disappointed. I think so often of you and of our children, my dear 
Mariquitta, but without being sad or discouraged. Every day you become 
dearer to me, for I can no longer doubt that you too love me much more 
than formerly, and that your affection for me unceasingly grows; and very 
naturally this gives me pleasure and makes me love you so much the more. 
The affection I bear my children is also reflected upon yourself; the more 
I love tiiem the more necessarily do I love you, and I love them icith my 
u-hole heart! Dear little beings, how much I do miss them ! But notwith- 
standing I bear our separation this time with a courage which surprises 
me. But the fact is I am full of hope, — hope first for Marie and next that 
I shall see you in four or five months, and this interval seems so brief in 
comparison with the terrible nine months during which we have been sepa- 
rated. The promise of Col. Cooper, so frankly offered, that whenever I 
wish I may visit you, encourages and strengthens me, and makes the time 
appear shorter which must still separate us. 

" I have just this moment, my own dear wife, received your letter of the 
26th and 28th ult., and it gave me untold pleasure. 

" The enjoyment you experience from my gift to your Father, and that 
he himself derives from its possession, enchants me. I had thought that 
in this I would gratify you, and am overjoyed to have succeeded so Avell. 
You cannot imagine the pleasure I experience from the manner in which 
you write of it, and of the pleasure which you say it afforded him. 

" I am glad to see my hope realized in Madeleine's improvement. After 
she has been so exhausted by suffering, it is to be expected that from time 
to time there will be trivial set backs, but which, most fortunately, will 
not arrest her perfect cure. 

" I am eager to learn that our little Marie is reconciled to her apparatus, 
sleeping tranquilly in it, and seeming to improve. 

" I am so pleased to know that Master Louis is becoming wiser, espe- 
cially at night. May this continue! 

" I begin to breathe more freely, to feel less uneasiness about you. It 
did worry me so much to see you doomed to such slavery, so painful, so 
wearisome, so much above your strength, my own dear wife, and yet not 
to be able to share the burden with you. But your letter has done me so 
much good ; to see you so nicely and comfortably installed with your 
Parents, and in better health ! If now your children would only let you 
sleep at night ! I beg and implore of you, dear Mariquitta, to do all in 
your power to give better habits to Louis. 

'• Friday, Kofember Ith. — Only a moment, dearest, is left me to close 
my letter, having been too much occupied the last few days to finish it. 
Your letter did me so much good that I am feeling splendidly and would 
love to have another like it soon. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 233 

" I wrote to Father Olivier day before yesterday to ask of him a Novena 
of Masses for our intention, begging him also to ask of the Ladies of the 
Convent to join in our prayers. Don't forget to give generously for the 
Masses which are to be said by the Jesuit Fathers, and to give a good alms 
to the Sisters of St. Joseph. When asking their prayers remember that 
it is pleasing to God to see alms accompanying prayers, and that lie 
especially likes to see the Poor paid for their prayers. Bear in mind that 
we no longer hope for the cure of Marie through medical skill, and that 
we no longer even have recourse to it. We address ourselves to God 
alone: — but God, the Sovereign Pliysician, never does any thing for 
nothing. He always wants to be repaid, but repaid in the persons of his 
Poor. Do not forget this, but be guided by it in your actions. The 
money we would have fruitlessly spent on Doctors let us giwQ freely to the 
Poor, offering it to God with our ^:>;"a//ers, for the spiritual and temporal 
good of our child. Be assured that this money will not be idly spent. 

" Good-bye, darling, affectionately embrace for me all the family ; ten- 
derly kiss our dear children, and receive a thousand kisses from your 
husband and 

" Your Jules." 

The following description by Julius, of the death of the 
Blessed Virgin and her ascension into Heaven, comes in very 
appropriately here. 

" The last moments of a Napoleon, a Caesar, a Cato, a Washington, and 
even of a Jackson, a Webster and a Clay, .are familiar to you all. The 
great, the powerful, and the wise of this world have their chronicles ever. 
The piety of the faithful has also tenderly commemorated the lives and 
deaths of the heroes of Christianity. But there has occurred one Death, 
of the greatest, wisest, best, as well as the fairest and most perfect of all 
human kind, of which we know scarce any thing. History is silent, tradi- 
tion even has scarcely ventured to speak of it above a Avhisper. It occurred, 
near 1800 years ago, in a solitary grot, in a lonely forest of Judea. Trans- 
port ourselves thither in imagination, my beloved brethren ; for the glory 
of that death is above that of all others, save only one. The sun is shining 
brightly over our heads, but with a soft uncommon radiance ; the moon 
and all the stars that light up the blue firmament at night, are dimly seen 
looking on in solemn expectation ; no breeze sweeps across the vault of 
heaven, though all the winds have gathered to this spot, yet not a leaf is 
stirring upon the tall cedars, that overlook the spot; — wild animals, the 
fiercest of the savage kind, are seen here and there among the trees, and 
yet no sound of strife is heard, for they have assembled to weep the de- 
parture of her, who had tamed their savage hearts to love. All nature is 
hushed in silent awe, for the queen of this world, and the next, is dying I 
Enter we under that lonely shed, on which those mournful doves ai-e 
perching. No riches of this earth are there. Bare are those naked walls 



234 BIOGRAPHY OF 

of ornament, hard is that pallet on the ground, on which lies stretched 
that noble and venerable form. Dim is the light, which streams in upon 
her wasted features. Of all mankind, but one. is kneeling by the bedside 
of that sweet Lady, Help of Christians, the mother of their God and 
Maker; one living incarnation o^ purity and love, is, alone, admitted to 
the privilege of representing his kind, on this great occasion. We hold 
our breath. "What deep toned bell resounds upon our ears? What soft 
yet dazzling light gleams upon our wondering eyes? The wall of flesh is 
broken down, our spirits mount in ecstasy with St. John's, for lo ! the 
hour has struck, and oh ! the brightness of those radiant spirits, who troop 
in joy unutterable around the throne, on which ascends their immaculate 
glorified Queen ! In wliat a flood of light, glory and henuty. is every thing 
bathed ! What balmy and delicious fragrance, what thrilliuir and exquisite 
music fills the air! 'Tis Heaven's own Jubilee, the coronation day of her 
own sweet queen ! See the radiant hosts, as they pour out to meet and 
welcome that hright procession! Joy! Joy is in every heart! See. our 
great Saviour, Himself, descends : — they meet ! With what love thrills 
that pure heart, with what new glorj"^ flames that Immaculate form, as, at 
length, she is reunited, and forever, to her own dear Son. Hand in hand, 
they kneel before the cloud capped Tlirone of the Triune God, and. for a 
moment, there is a pause of stillness before that awful throne, whilst 
Adonijah blesses his loving daughter, his tender Mother, his virgin spouse. 
Loud as the rolling thunder, low and deep as the murmur of Ocean in his 
inmost caves, it echoes along the vault of Heaven, 'Ave Maria Immacu- 
lata I Bcnedicta tu in Mulieribus !' — 'Ave Maria Immaoulata ! Ave ^laria, 
Kegina Nostra," the Clioirs of Heaven repeat, and louder, still louder swells 
that ravishing melody, as spirit after spirit joins in the holy Canticle, each 
striving with the other, to do honor to Her, whom Christ crowns Queen of 
Heaven and seats next to the Throne, itself, high above Heaven's highest. 

"And now, it is with the * Magnificat anima mea Dominum," tiiat the 
courts of Heaven resound, as choir by choir, and band by band, that 
mighty host defiles before its Queen, bending as they pass, in loving hom- 
age before Her glittering throne — Cherubim and Seraphim, Thrones and 
Pominations, Principalities and Powers, Archangels. Angels, Crowned 
Pontifis and glorious ^lartyrs. Patriarchs and Prophets, fair Virgins and 
white robed Innocents, and the twelve tribes of Israel, following after 
Peter and the eleven, the holy Baptist, the lofty Michael, Joachim and 
Anna, and blessed Joseph, prostrate themselves in turn before her. 

" Mary, our Mother, too, forget not thy frail children in this trium- 
phant hour I — Forget! oh ! Mary knows not how to forget aught but the 
injuries done her by her enemies. Scarce had the arm}' of Heaven passed 
by, and the last notes of the loud chorus, ' Te Peum Laudamus, te Dom- 
inum confitemur," died away upon the ravished ear, ere she is kneeling at 
the feet of her Divine Son, and even before she has time to open her sweet 
lips, her angels have winged their rapid way, for they know that her 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 235 

prayer is heard, and the gates of Purgatory are thrown wide open, and 
thousands of blessed souls conic pouring out, up to her feet, to thank and 
bless her for their deliverance ; whilst far over the wide spread earth, the 
banner of mercy is flying, and souls in their dreadful agony, have breathed 
a sudden hope, have felt a sudden strength, and calmly sink into the slum- 
ber of death, with her blessed name upon their lips : — others again, whose 
blood is coursing wildly through their heated veins, and who are even on 
the very point of yielding to some damning seduction of the foe, feel a 
sudden chill spreading through their bones, and striking to their hearts, 
whilst the scales of passion fall from their eyes, and murmuring, ' Mary, 
mother,' they sink on their knees, and beat their sorrowing breasts ; 
Avhilst the baffled demons fly — hell rages — serpents creep into their dens — 
storms die upon the sea — and peace is upon the earth and in the hearts of 
men. ' 

"Amen." 

Further remarks of Mr. John T. Doyle, one of Julius' boy- 
hood friends at Georgetown College. 

"After concluding his course at the Point and entering the army I can- 
not recollect where Julius was stationed, nor how frequently we met. In 
1853 I came to California and lost sight of him till 1856, when I went East 
on a visit. Naturally I drifted to Georgetown and its old familiar scenes 
and there enquiring for old friends learned that Julius was in the Adju- 
tant General's Office, where I went next morning to hunt him up. 

" From that time I never lost him again until we all lost him. 

" His mind was imbued with a deep religious feeling, it was real piety, 
— not the sort that makes men grim, cold or censorious, — quite the con- 
trary, his disposition was merry and his laugh frequent and hearty, but 
never once did I know him to go in the least beyond ' the limits of becom- 
ing mirth.' 

'' There was a Church (St. Patrick's) around the corner from his house, 
which could be passed on his way to the War Department. His habit was 
to stop there and hear Mass, or if no Mass were celebrated at the hour, 
then to say his prayers, on the waj' from his house to the Office ; and going 
in there of an afternoon to look for the priest, on some errand or other, I 
have stumbled upon him kneeling at a bench, engaged in silent devotions 
after office hours. 

" He was a remarkably conscientious man and scrutinized his own con- 
duct with vigilant severity. To the faults of others, however, he was in- 
dulgent, always ready to find an excuse or palliation if any reasonable 
ground existed. I remember once when discussing his straightened cir- 
cumstances and the fact that he had been compelled by the smallness of 
his pay to encroach upon his modest patrimony, I suggested that he was 
by the Army Regulation entitled to the keep of a horse and that he did 
not draw that. His answer was, the horse must be actually kept to entitle 



236 BIOORAPlir OF 

him to it. and that woiilJ merely add to his expenses. I suggested that, 
no doulit, a livery stable keeper would contract to hire him a horse and 
keep him ever at his disposal, for less than the ration, and the balance 
even if small would be of some service. He replied, that was no doubt 
true, but that the law (or the rule) required a certificate as to the keeping 
of the horse, in such terms, that he could not sign it unless he owned and 
kept the horse. I heard afterwards that other officers did draw a horse- 
keep ration, in virtue of an arrangement with some stable foi* the use of 
an animal, and mentioned it to him. He said he believed it was so and he 
was glad they saw their way clear to do it, but for his own part he could 
not. 

" That was all there was of it — no disposition to find fault with them, — 
but simply he could not see it." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. O37 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Julius' pleasure at the receipt of Mariquitta's last letters and his tender ex- 
hortations to her about her own health and the necessity of now turning 
Marie's attention to God and His Divine Mother — Father Tolmon's Cru- 
cifix — how good God is to them all, even in their separation — sudden 
death of a gentleman in his Boarding House and frantic grief of the wife 
and mother — his longing and yet fear for another letter — receipt thereof 
and his great joy at its contents — approval of day chosen for tlie termina- 
tion of the Novena — his gratification at the pleasure his little letters gave 
to his little girls and anxiety to know what Na thought of hers — abandons 
his voyage to Algiers for Mariquitta's sake — physical and spiritual good 
the ^Mission did him and wonderful eloquence of one of the Fathers — de- 
sire that his wife should speak only French to their children — about his 
renounced wish to visit France and Algiers — Capt. Ord's admiring criti- 
cism on his " Reminiscences of an Officer of Zouaves." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

'* Washinqton, Friday, November 7, 1856. 

'' Mv DEAR LITTLE "WiFE, 

" Though but to-day I sent you a letter, I cannot restrain myself from 
repeating to you what pleasure and solace I derived from your letter of 
the 2Gth and 28th. What particularly gratified me was what you tell me 
of the little present I left for your Father and that it gave to yourself such 
pleasure. 

" Your whole letter, however, did me good in its partial dissipation of 
the painful idea I had brought away with me, of the crushing life you wei-e 
leading. 

'"Now that "^Madeleine is so much better, that your Mother without 
doubt is able to spend much more of her time at home, do, I beseech you, 
my Mariquitta, try and take a sleep every day, for you are so much in 
need of itl Another recommendation, dear Mariquitta, which vou must 
not fail to observe is this, that I have been surprised at our little Marie's 
degree of intelligence, lleflecting since upon it, I think that it is time 
that we began seriously to occupy ourselves with the precious soul God has 
committed to our charge. If we do not soon begin to direct her heart and 
mind to God, she might acquire evil tendencies, llang, tlierefore, in 
your room that large crucifix,! which Avas given to me by Father Telmou 

* Madeleine, after her marriage to Doctor Hornsby, was now residing on 
his property of " Wildwood,'' adjacent to Limours. 

t Julius always held this Crucitix in great veneration as a souvenir of 



238 BIOGRAPHY OF 

and which I entrusted at the D6put to your Father. Explain it to Marie; 
relate to her the Passion of our Saviour; the Creation of the world ; the 
history of Adam and Eve ; of Cain and Abel ; of Abraham and Lot : of 
Joseph and his brother; of Moses; and of the march of the Israelites 
through the Desert. Tell her of the Manna, and of the partrid<!;es which 
God sent to them from Heaven ; of the water He caused to gush from .the 
rocks to slake their thirst; of the prophet Elias fed every day by a raven ; 
of Achab and Jezabol, of their wickedness and their terrible death, itc, 
&c. Make brief comments on what you relate, so that she may understand 
the moral. But especially teach her to love the Blessed Virgin ; to note 
her sweetness, her goodness, her love for mankind. To sympathize with 
the Passion of our Lord, make her understand how she may mitigate it, by 
her own resignation in suffering, by being kind to her little sister, &c., &c. 
You will see that these stories will wonderfully interest our little Marie, 
and thus you will accomplish two objects ; — her own amusement, and at 
the same J;ime the direction of her soul to God. 

" Sunday, Kovember 9. — I long to know that our dear little Marie has 
learned to spend all her time in the apparatus. I hope to have a letter this 
morning, and I shall soon go and enquire for it. Dear little wife, I hope 
that you have begun to regain your courage, to reconcile yourself to our 
separation, and that God will grant you the health and strength necessary 
to enable you to bear up under the distressing duty imposed on you. I 
hope that our dear little Marie no longer complains of my absence and yet 
I hope that she does not forget me, but loves me as dearly as ever. Does 
not Na ever speak of me ; has she ever seemed, however slightly, to regret 
me? I fear this question is a very useless one. Naturally my beautiful 
little Louis does not think of me, yet I often think of him. How I would 
dearly love to hold him in my arms ; to kiss his little satiny cheeks ; and 
to enjoy now his look grave and solemn, then again his sweet smile. Dear- 
est, we should rather thank God for his goodness to us, than think that 
our ftite is unfortunate. True we are separated, but how many wives have 

good Father Tclmon. After Julius' death Mariquitta prized it most highh', 
.because he had thought so much of it. In her last moments it was contin- 
ually with her and after her death it reposed upon her bosom, but was taken 
off before the coffin was nailed up. Her children continued to treasure the 
Crucifix as a most precious relic, on account of all its associations with the 
memory of their beloved Parents. It was one of the few last loving objects 
that Tavie, into whose hands it had come, clung to just prior to her Recep- 
tion of the White Veil in her Carmelite Convent, in June 1886, when she 
presented it to her brother : for Eeligious are supposed then to relinquish 
all earthly things that they care for, to make a complete sacrifice of all they 
hold dearest — objects as well as relatives and friends — for the sake of their 
Divine Kedeemer. 

The wood of this Crucifix is costly and rare, and the figure of our Lord 
is of bronze and is of exquisite workmanship. The Crucifix entire is very old. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 239 

much more reason than yourself for sorrow? You may remember what I 
related to you last winter, how I was awakened in the middle of the night 
by the sobs of a poor Mother who had just lost her child in the room ad- 
joining mine. This morning I was aroused by a servant and asked to 
hurry down to the apartment of this same lady who believed her husband 
to be dead. I did so, and found her almost crazy, pacing in haste the floor, 
weeping, shrieking, her Mother-in-Law even yet more agitated. I ap- 
proached the bed ; felt, and found only a corpse. And yet they would not 
believe it. One of them forced into my hand a glass full of something and 
told me to try to make him swallow it. But alas I it was impossible. 
Poor Mother ! poor wife I This man was in the flower of Life, a fine look- 
ing man, vigorous and full of strength, but from time to time he drank, 
and had had several attacks of mania a potu. He died suddenly, without 
a symptom of impending Death ; without the sacraments, without Relig- 
ion ! Here was a woman who might indeed be declared unhappy ! And 
many another is there in the world ! 

"I feel a little uneasy to have received no letter from you, darling. I 
should without fail have received one yesterday, hence I felt certain o^ one 
to-day. I fear that you or Marie or Louis are suifering; something must 
certainly have occurred; for I have observed in the course of our corre- 
spondence, that after having received from you a letter so encouraging as 
your last to me, so full of good news, the next arrival is the bearer of 
tidings that overcast my joy. Hence the other day after having twice read 
this good letter, and in the midst of the pleasure I derived from it, the 
thought recurred to me, that the letter which will follow will be of a char- 
acter to dissipate my happiness. May it prove otherwise, but I dread that 
it may be so ! It is, undoubtedly, my little Marie who has become worse. 
But we mjiy expect this, and that before the end of the Novena she may 
cause us even serious fears. For remember, as I have already remarked, 
this would be a favorable sign, a proof that God is about to vouchsafe her 
cure, but makes a final trial of our faith and confidence in Him, as if to 
assure Himself that we are worthy of so great a blessing. Take courage 
then, dearest, falter not at the very moment when there is the greatest 
need of showing youi'self firm and courageous, and full of confidence in 
and love of God ! 

"Embrace your Mother, your Father, your Sisters, * Che-tobacco, and 
Robert, for me : remember me kindly to Dr. Lewis : and give very friendly 
messages to the Bulls and the Ilornsbys.^ These names certainly belong 
to the same families. Say good-day to Lucy. J Tenderly pet my dear 
children for me and receive for yourself, my dear wife, a host of kisses 
from your 

"Jules." 

* His little Octavie. 

f Brothers of Dr. N. L. Hornsby. 

X Nurse of his children. 



240 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Tuesday, November 11, 1856. 
"Mr DEAR Mariquitta, 

" At last I have just received your letter, dated the 2d, but post-marked 
at St. Louis the 6th. I read it with very great pleasure and am rejoiced 
to find that no serious mishap has occurred; notwithstanding that my 
little Louis had been so sick, as to excite your serious fears. Yet as he 
has safely emerged from his illness, I see that there was no foundation for 
the anxieties I began to feel for yourself. I see with some regret that our 
dear little Marie does not appear to be as well as during my visit. But 
even if she grew much worse I would feel confident that the Novena 
would save her : for God would never resist the prayers of so many priests, 
Religious, and other holy persons. No matter how much worse she may 
grow, do not lose courage. Remember that God sometimes makes His 
fixvors so startling that it is impossible not to recognize His beneficence 
and consequently to bless Him. 

" I perfectly approve of the day you have chosen for the termination of 
the Novena and hence its beginning should be on the 30th of November, 
should it not? Or perhaps on the 29th? I am so glad that your Mother 
intends to'solicit the prayers of the Religious of the Sacred Heart and 
those of Ste. Clotilde, and especially that she will obtain prayers at Notre 
Dame des Victoires.* 

" I feel so gratified that my little letters gave such delight to my little 
girls. I wish you had written to me what they said about them, particu- 
larly Tavie. I am so curious to learn the impression made upon her. 

"I am very content to learn that the stove gives so much satisfaction to 
you and to Marie ; and that you always carefully keep some water on it. 
You pleased me also so much by your delight at your lamp — I who had 
reproached myself in its purchase as having committed a great folly. 

'■ Thursday the loth. — I have just received a letter from Alexander, who 
promises not only that he and Laura f will join in our Novena, but that 
he will also go with her to Communion for our intention. I agree with 
you that it is better not to ask too long praj'ers of the persons who have 
the kindness to associate themselves Avith us in this Novena, and I entirely 
approve of the choice you have made. You might perfectly well have 
written to Father Emig who is well aware that you are iny wife. I could 
not, because it would be but proper that at the same time I should send 
him the money for the Masses. And it would be the same in respect to 
Father Damen. I shall ask Alej:ander to do it for me. 

* A church in Paris celebrated for its miracles. Its walls are covered 
with votive oftorings. 

f Eldest daughter of Thomas Van Zandt of New York, (of an old Knick- 
erbocker family) and married to Alexander in Cincinnati May 8, 1849. 
She was a convert and a most devoted Catholic. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 241 

" I cannot a"hswer your query, darling, as to the nature of Mary Willcox's 
sickness ; for I have never enquired and do not know. 

" Friday, Nov. \Ath. — It is raining this afternoon and the weather is 
ugly, sombre and sad, and I do not, darling, feel in the humor for writing 
to you. I have a little of the ' blues,' and as I have but little to tell you 
I will close my letter. 

"The Mission finished yesterday and produced great results. This 
morning I asked Father Deshon, if he would not among his companions 
have a Novena of Masses ending on the 8th December said for our inten- 
tion. He promised that he would and also that the Novices should join 
us in our prayers. 

"I send you herewith two pictures given me for you; one (a Mater 
Amabilis) by my Confessor ; and the other by Mrs. Lay,* an * Our Lady 
of the Cross,' which had belonged to Mrs. Mattingly.f I have had them 
both indulgenced, so that every time a prayer is said before them or the 
picture is reverently kissed, an indulgence, I think, of 50 days is gained. 
I do not know if the indulgence be transferrable. 

"Good-bye, dear, dear wife, what would I not give to embrace you, to 
hold you even but for a moment in my arms! Embrace all the family for 
me. Caress fondly our children. 

" Ever wholly thine, dear Mariquitta, 

" Your Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Saturday, November 15, 1856. 

" I am, my beloved wife, just in receipt of your letter of the 7th, and I 
learn with sorrow that my little Louis has been so seriously ill and has 
caused you so much anxiety, and by making you pass so many sleepless 
nights, so much impaired your strength. However, I receive with pleasure 
your assurance that he was out of danger, and your promise that I need 
no longer worry about him. I hope that now he is entirely recovered you 
have been able to recuperate from your fatigue. Poor dear wife ! how 
painful it is to me to see you ever thus condemned to a life so wearisome 
by its fatigues, so painful by reason of its anxieties, as that which you 
have been compelled for the last two years to endure by the sickness of 
one or the other of our children. 

"I have not the heart, my darling, to resist your affectionate appeal to 
me, to abandon for your sake my voyage to France. In fact, my dear 
wife, 'your good opinion' is of itself sufficient. To please you above every 

* Mrs. Eichard Lay. Her family were very intimate with Julius and 
subsequently with Mariquitta. 

f A relative of 3Irs. Laj", and the one cured of a lingering disease by a 
celebrated miracle performed through the instrumentality of the sainted 
Father and Prince Galitzin. 

16 



242 BIOGRAPHY OF 

one else in the world is my highest desire and if therefore my • actual 
reputation' satisfies you, and that in your estimation I cannot mount 
higher, I can have no wish to cause you pain liy an effort to enhance it in 
the eyes of others. Hence I promise you to make none, not even the 
slightest efl'ort to obtain permission to visit Algeria. But you must not 
ask too much of mo, therefore do not require of me that I should say to 
Major Lee to go and tell the Secretary of War, in case he should have 
spoken to him about it, that I no longer wish to go. You can easily 
imagine that tliis would create a most injurious opinion of me. But let 
this not woi-ry you, for to me it seems as if Major Lee had so far forgotten 
iny request, that I have felt a reluctance in reminding him of it. And 
though, since our conversation on the subject, I have often found myself in 
his company, he has never broached the matter. I think, therefore, you 
have no further need of anxiety. 

"I confess it costs me a great deal to give it up, for I had set my heart 
upon it. Aside from the special object I had in view, I would have been 
much pleased with it, greatly enjoyed it. And even if our Marie should 
be cured by the praj-ers we are about to have oflTered up for her, she would 
be no more fit to travel in the Spring than she was last Autumn. But do 
not reproach yourself, darling, that you have asked of me too great a 
sacrifice ; I have already remarked to you that my hopes of success in 
respect to this voyage were gradually fading away. Hence my assent to 
your request, may be but the anticipation of what would really have been 
the result. 

" The observation you make about Col. Cooper, strikes me as possessing 
a great deal of force and justice. For if I would gain his good will, and 
seek to make myself so useful to him, that he would be unwilling to part 
with me, I certainly will not accomplish this by leaving him at the very 
moment he begins to know and to appreciate me. He would soon forget 
me, and it might nut on my return be so eas}' to ingratiate mj'self with 
him. This reflection, even before your letter came, had already occurred 
to me, but I bad slighted it, so eager was my desire to take this trip and 
not to spend another Winter and Spring as I did the last. 

'^'■Sunday, November U>. — Your letter of the 7th, my dear little Mari- 
quitta, gave me unalloyed pleasure. I relished with delight the perfume 
of tenderness and affection with which it was so strongly imbued. For it 
is so sweet to find myself so loved by you. and nothing could compensate 
me for the loss of this afiection, or entirely console me for your absence. 
I acknowledge, therefore, that uotwithstanding all the pleasure of a trip 
to Algeria, as I pictured it to myself, nevertheless I quailed before the 
thought of a separation from you for an entire year. Happily, we are not 
obliged to endure such a trial. 

''During the whole Mission, and in fact since my arrival, I have suSered 
from a dreadful cold in the head, which stupefied me and kept me contin- 
ually in a feverish state. I persisted, however, in following all the lectures, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 243 

rising before five in the morning and returning honae only at ten o'clock 
at night. But I have received my reward for it, not only by the spiritual 
benefit I have derived from it, but scarcely had the Mission ended, when 
my cold, which had grown so bad that it threatened to put me to bed, 
suddenly, entirely, and as if by enchantment, disappeared ! 

"You should have followed this Mission, it was wonderful to see the 
Power which God had conferred upon these preachers. One, in particular, 
completely swayed iiis auditors, reaching their hearts as if by a thunder- 
bolt: men and women, rich and poor, fell upon their knees, weeping, 
sobbing, stirred, penetrated to the very depths of their souls. Never in 
my life have T seen a man wield such a power, such an empire over the 
hearts of his fellow-creatures. 

" I am so glad to hear that Madeleine steadily improves. You see I 
was, from its outset, right in my appreciation of her case. 

"Again, dear Mariquitta, T beg of you to watch over yourself that you 
do not speak English to our childi-en. You know T never refuse you any 
thing: strive then to give me this pleasure by a compliance with this, the 
request I have so often made to you. If you do not now habituate them 
to the French, later you will find it impossible. I do not doubt but you 
earnestly wish to see your children acquii-e it, but you can form no idea 
of the enormous difticulty which we will find in obtaining it for them, 
even though we make every effort for it. What then will it be, if you 
yourself are in the habit of speaking English to them ? You have often 
made fun of the French of Alexander and Ferdinand, and yet they have 
improved so much in it since they have lived in St, Louis : and, espe- 
cially, since mine and their marriages,* by which they have been forced 
to speak it. Well ! I repeat that it is impossible to have given one's self 
more trouVjle than Mamma took to induce them to speak French. Had 
she done as you do with our children, to-day they would not know one 
word of it. 

" Afiectionately embrace all the family for me, caress very tenderly our 
dear little children : tell my little Marie that her Papa sorrows because he 
is away from her, and would be happy if he could be with her, to pet her, 
to amuse her, to serve her, and thoroughly to spoil her. Say to Na that 
her Papa loves her very much, and will she not love her dear Papa at least 
a little? Fondle my beautiful little Louis and tell him that Papa would 
so like to hold him in his arms, to kiss him, to enjoy his delicious little 
crow. 

" You did not tell me in your last letter whether my little Marie is more 
reconciled to her apparatus, whether she consents to sleep in it ; and, yet, 
I have great need of knowing all this, for your first letter announced that 
she rebelled against it. 

* Ferdinand was married to Miss Eosella Hicks of St. Louis, a pious Cath- 
olic of French descent. 



244 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" Adieu ! dearest wife, I embrace you with all my heart, as I love you, 
and ever am 

'' Your good 

"Jules."' 

" P. S. Do not forget at the end of each month to make up your accounts 
and to inform me: lat, the amount of your expenses during the month: 
2d, how much money you have lefty 

It .had long been the desire of Julius to visit France and Alge- 
ria, but his tender and devoted love for his Mariquitta and 
children was too strong to permit himself a voluntary separation 
from them. But during his sojourn in Washington in 1856 
the desire returned, and upon his coming back from Limours in 
the Fall of the same year, seeing the hopeless impossibility of his 
darlings joining him for many months apparently, he thought 
during the interval he would carry out his intention and thus 
his separation would not be so poignant. 

The French were then extending their possessions in Algeria, 
and from the fact that he was an Army Officer and possessed of 
a thorough knowledge of the French language he thought he 
might be permitted to make a campaign with their Army. Such 
permissions during a time of War are constantly accorded to the 
Officers of friendly Powers, even though such Powers do not 
themselves participate. An additional advantage in his favor, 
as he imagined, was that his family were of French extraction 
and several of his wife's and his own relatives were then, or had 
been lately, in the French Army. 

He was almost sure of success, though doubtful at first, of 
receiving the desired permission from his Superiors. He had 
already received from his Father-in-law and Mariquitta's uncle, 
Jean Baptiste de Coudroy de Laureal, letters of introduction to 
Monsieur le Colonel and Marquis de Tanlay and Monsieur le 
Lieutenant General and Comte de MacMahon, and to other dis- 
tinguished French Officers when Mariquitta's earnest supplica- 
tions induced him to abandon his scheme, and he sacrificed for 
her sake all his wished for projects. 

This idea of visiting Algeria suggested to him shortly after- 
wards the Translation of the " Reminiscences of an Officer of 
Zouaves." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 245 

In 1860, when his TrausUition appeared before the public, 
General Ord, then Captain, in a letter to him dated September 
29, 1860, speaking of it, says : — 

' " I have I'ead a portion of your translation with great interest and think 
you hit upon one of the most stirring, soldierly Books I have ever read, 
and that you have preserved the ardor and enthusiasm with which the 
narrator tells his experience, as if you had been along. I sent a short 
account of the origin of the Zouaves to the Century four or five weeks since, 
and I was glad to see that my authority agreed with yours." 



246 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Julius' description to Mariquitta of all he has done and is doing regarding 
the Novena, and his earnest entreaty to turn Maries thoughts to our 
Saviour and Holy Religion — his heart's longings for Mariquitta and his 
children and his passionate love and yearning for her society — that it is 
their duty now and how they should turn their little girls' minds to God 
— love for his little Louis, Na and Marie — Mrs. Goddard — Julius' ever 
ready courtesy to women and his joke about one — a man's greatest human 
happiness — re-assembling of Congress and a resj)ite of work — commence- 
ment of the Novena — the little Orphans of the Asylum and their belief 
In the eflScacy of their own prayers — tender entreaties to Mariquitta to 
take more care of her health and to be less scrupulous — his confidence in 
the good result of the Novena, that God will surely grant their prayer, 
but if not then they must bear the cross patiently — entreats her not to 
despair about it — flattered by Na's refusal — his singular pleasure in know- 
ing that Mariquitta dotes so tenderly on their little Louis — daily cold 
water bath. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" W.\SHiNGTON, Thursday, November 20, 1856. 

" To-day there is a holiday in all of the departments and I greedily profit 
by it for my correspondence. For I have been so preoccupied since my 
return here, that I have not found time to write to any one save yourself, 
my dearly beloved. Hence I have written to Alexander, to ask of him 
to see Father Damen and Father Emig, to ask of each to say for our inten- 
tion a Novena of Masses. Then I wrote directly to those two Fathers, to 
expose to them the distressing condition of our child and to seek to inter- 
est them in her regard. In the same strain I have Avi-itten to Fatlier Gleizal, 
and have also asked of him during the Novena to offer the Holy Saci-ifiee 
for our intention and to persuade the Novices and the Brothers under liis 
charge to join us in prayer. I wrote to my Aunt Lalite, begging her to 
unite with us and to go to Communion for our intention, and to persuade 
the Keligious of her Convent, and tliose of that of Baltimore (where a great 
miracle has recently been obtained, by a Novena in honor of Blessed Marie 
de la Coque), also to associate themselves with us in the Novena. I also 
wrote to Frederick, to recommend our intention to him, and to beg of him 
to obtain as many Masses and prayers as he can for our intention. I wrote 
also to the Mother Superioress of the Carmelites at Baltimore, to inform 
her when the Novena would begin, what were the prayers to be said, and 
reminding her of her promise to make it with us. 

'■ Every thing is therefore arranged. Let us then begin at once to pre- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARKSCHE. • 247 

pare our soul.s to make tliiw Novena well, so that we may deserve that God 
slioiild vouclisafe to us so great a graci; aa the recovery of our dear eliihl. 
And liere let me repeat tlie injunction I liavo already so strenuously incul- 
cated, dear Mariquitta, regarding our duty of beginning at once, by every 
means within our power, suitable to a child of her years, of directing her 
soul to fJod — by placing before her eyes the (-rueifixion of our Lord ; by 
describing to her His Holy Passion; by r(dating to her the lile of our 
Saviour ; by explaining to her the Fall of Man, the expulsion of Adaia 
from Paradise, and that from Sin arise all of the sufferings and misery of 
this world ; and by making \nw familiar with tin; immimse goodness of our 
Saviour, who came Hims(!irup()n this Earth to atone for our sins &o., i^'c. 

"Seriously consider, my dear wife, what an immense responsibility 
would rest upon us if, in deference to our prayers, God should accord to 
us the life of our child. Think ! that perhaps God destined her for an 
early end, with an Etenu'l;/ o/' /f(ij)piness : and should wo Ity our prayers 
recall her to this life of Temptation, what (( Hell for us if by our negli- 
gence we permitted this child to be lost! Can you think of this and not 
at once use every means within your power to direct her thoughts to God I 
Therefore gently teach her to say her prayers, night and morning; but 
let them be; brief, so as not to w<.'ary her; and try to teach h(?r to love (iod 
and the Blessed Virgin. And what in this respect you do for her, you 
will soon be required to repeat for Octavie. 

" Good-bye, darling, einl)race all of the family for me ; lavish a thousand 
caresses upon our dear little (diildren, and for yourself receive as many 
kisses as you care to accept from your devoted husband 

"Jules." 

Julius to Mari({uUia. 
" WASiuNCiTON, Sunday, November 23, 1856. 

" Your letter, my dear wife, of the 1 1th is the last I have received, and 
I was disappointed this morning not to have had another. 

"For my own part 1 must write to you v<n'y briidly to-day. lor I lab(ir(!<l 
and wrote so much last week that to-day I would fain take a little rest. 
Besides I have no news to toll you, nothing of interest to communicate, 
and you know that without the inspiration of a letter from you my ideas 
are slujiffish. 

" I am very well, my morale is excellent, I bear courageously our sepa- 
ration ; but nevertheless I miss you exceedingly, my dear wife, 1 was not 
born to live alone. Almost all my happiness is centered in yourself and 
the rest in our children. It seems to me that I would be but too happy if, 
with our children around us, I could have as much of your society as 
before they were; ttoru. Hut I fear that I shall never again possess such 
enjoyment: for you have so accustomed those dear little beings not to be 
able eitlnsr night or day to do without you, that they, poor little beings, 
without the suspicion of it, have raised a barrier between us, which will 
deprive me of enjoying your society as much as my heart would desire. 



248 • BIOGRAPHY OF 

• 

Painfully did I realize this during the visit I have just made you. Neither 
night nor day could I feel certain of a moment's peace with you, the slave 
of those dear children, and to Avhom at every instant you had to run. 
Hence, at times, I could not witliliold a sigh, fur the happy days when you 
were exclusively my own. And although we did not appreciate those days 
as we should, yet I remember with delight some of them, intervals of that 
Spring time of Love, the first year of married life, embalmed in elating 
and delicious memor}' ! 

*' Perhaps it is even better that I did not then realize that I was loved by 
you as much as I wished you to love me: for, as I believe, I am possessed 
of so ardent a nature, — love, the necessity of being loved, are sentiments 
so strong within my breast, that, if they had been fully satisfied, my whole 
being might have been overpowered by tliem and I might in my adoration 
of my Eve have forgotten or neglected the great and good God, from whom 
I had received her as my gift. 

'' Undoubtedly, it is for the best that our dear children so much pre- 
occupy 3'ou. And 3-et, though I so often repeat it, that our first duty is to 
them and that we should even sacrifice ourselves wholly to their weakness, 
their need of us ; still, despite the suggestions on this subject of Reason and 
of Religion, at times I will sigh a little for that greater enjojnuent of 3'our 
society which formerly I possessed, and regret, that while I consecrate you 
to your children, you cannot make just a little reservation in my favor. 

" So much (as I have already expressed to you) did I feel this during 
my recent visit to Limours, that, since my return, it has served me as a 
kind of solace, when our separation has weighed too heavily upon my 
heai't. For in such moments I have said to myself, ' Even if she were 
Avith me, I could not enjoy her presence : on the contrary I would be dis- 
appointed, for so much would she be the slave of her children, that perhaps 
I would never have her a moment to myself.' 

" I do hope, my dear Mariquitta, that you will soon give me, as I have 
asked, more details of your own health. Nevertheless, your last letter 
amused me very much, and at the same time provoked a train of reveries 
very sweet, it is true, though a little tinged with melancholy. 

" The Novena will begin but a few daj-s after the arrival of this lettei*. 
From every direction there will soon be ofiered up to Heaven for us very 
pure and holy prayers, and God, who loves to hearken to such invocations, 
can He resist them? This is a question I continually ask of myself, and 
its invarial>le answer is, 'A'o.' unless He reads in the Future that the sal- 
vation of our child would be thus impei-illed." This, in my opinion, will 
be the only obstacle to the success of what we so intensely desire. The 
subject is deserving of serious thought. I do not think it is possible to love 
one's children more than we do ours; for we are devoted to them. It is 
impossible that any Mother, in this respect, can excel you, and you always 
have been so I Their health, their happiness, their tastes, their pleasures 
unceasingly preoccup}' us. But, my Mariquitta, do you think that we are 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 249 

as eager about what is more than a million times moi'e important for them, 
— their Eternal welfare? "What efforts have we made to fashion their souls 
to Piety, to teach them to love God, to knoAV His Goodness, His Power, 
His Mercy? I know well that our children are in the habit of saying or 
omitting, according to their caprice, their little prayers. But of what 
value'are prayers like those, which they repeat like parrots, but which 
they do not understand, do not feel ? When jMarie was much younger, 
we succeeded perfectly in teaching her to love her Mamma* Tavie, whom 
she did not as yet know. Bat how did we effect this? In a very different 
way. We frequently showed her portrait to Marie, we made her kiss it, 
we constantly spoke to her of her Mamma Tavie, of her goodness, her 
tenderness for Marie; we went zealously to work, incurring real trouble, 
and did it not doubting, not feeling it — and we succeeded. And we should 
pursue the same method for cultivating in our children the love of God. 
It is hiirh time to begin. Indeed we should have begun with Marie even 
before we left Texas. We have both of us too long slept over this great 
duty, this dual duty to God and to these dear little beings whom He has 
confided to us. We have yielded to the illusion that they were still too 
young, that it was too soon to commence, itc. But this was not true, so 
now, darling, ponder, meditate, reflect, whether you are determined hence- 
forth seriously to devote j'ourself to this task, conscientiously to perform 
your duty in this respect? God, perhaps, awaits your decision in regard 
to this : and it is needless for me to say to you, that it must not be spoken 
thoughtlessly, but with a firm, sincere resolution of following it. 

" No doubt you reproach yourself that at times you cannot say as many 
prayers as at others. But I tell you that every word you will say to j'our 
children, for the purpose I have just stated, will be a real praya-, more 
acceptable in the sight of God than any long pi-ayers could be. Do not 
forget this ! 

"Adieu ! I have written at much greater length than I imagined pos- 
sible. Embrace all the family affectionately for me ; fondly caress our 
dear little children and speak to them tenderly in my name. Sweetly, 
dear Mariquitta, do I clasp you in my arms and bathe you in kisses. 

" Your Jules. 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Monday, November 24, 1856. 
" I am just in receipt, my beloved Mariquitta, of your letter of the 16th, 
and it gave me such pleasure. I am so happy to learn that my little Louis 
is better. These two attacks, following one upon the other, began some- 
what to worry me. You delight me by saying that you find him so sweet, 

* Mariquitta's mother. Little Marie could not then pronounce Octavie 
and called her grandmother " Maman Tee" and grandfather " Papa Dor," 
names which up to the present moment, 1886, they still bear among all 
their grandchildren. 



250 BIOORAPHY OF 

and your Mother also by the message she directed to be given to me. It 
proves to nie that he cannot be so very mischievous and that he does not 
weary you too much : and then it presents a picture of liim before my eyes, 
that I love dearly to contemplate. Moreover, nn^ fatherly pride is much 
gratified to hear such praises of my son. Dear little being, how I would 
relish his sweet faint cooing! 

'* I am delighted to learn that my dear little ' Na" loves Papa Jules 
' much." I dared not Hatter myself that she would, but am mure than 
content that she does. Papa Jules has certainly done his utmost to win the 
heart of his dear little girl ; but the dear little girl could not appreciate it. 

" In regard to the great affection in which you tell me I am held by my 
little and much loved Marie. I am deeply touched ; I derive from it both 
plesisure and pain. Pleasure, since it is so sweet to see myself thus greatly 
loved by my own child, a child so very dear to me: — pain, because a dis- 
position so full of love, can never be happy in this world, and my heart 
bleeds to think how often this poor little heart will be repelled and wounded 
in its contact with the world. 

"What you repeat to me of her sad assurance to you, that ' she would 
never be cured,' saddened me. The words of that child always make upon 
me so great an impression : for I cannot divert myself from the thought in 
her regard that she is possessed of striking, and, in a measure, spiritual 
characteristics. My dear angel, how my heart yearns to see her cured I 

"I thank you. darling, for your resolution of devoting yourself to the 
religious education of this dear child. I am sorrj', however, that you 
cannot find a place for the 'Crucifix.' and I beg of you to reconsider the 
matter; for it does seem to me, that with a little good-will, you could cer- 
tainly hang it in your room. I especialhf insist that you should teach her 
the history of the Passion of our Lord, of His Crucifixion, of all the 
sufferings, mental and bodily, all the humiliations and ingratitude which 
He endured for us. Let her think how the knowledge of what our Sav- 
iour underwent through llis love for her, will aid her to support her own 
affliction. And yet, without images, it is very difficult to make children 
understand such things. Often they appear to understand, but are not 
impressed, do not feel them, are not touched by them. 

" l>o not forget that if our child is condemned to remain as she is. a strong 
i-eligious fervor, a lively piety, a great love of the Cross, can alone procure 
for her resignation to her fivte and a little happiness even in this world. 

'' Tut'siJaii, Xovemher 25. — I am pleased at the news that Madeleine 
begins to raise herself. How is my little friend. Che-tolnicco? Is she as 
sweet as ever? 

" I have commenced my visits. Last evening I called on !Mrs. Goddard ;* 
but did not see her, because her children were too unwell. She has sent 



* Mrs. Madeleine Vinton Goddard. subsequently married to a distin- 
guished U. S. Naval OtScer, Rear Admiral Dahlgren. She became a 
warm friend of Julius and Mariquitta. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 251 

me ail extract, which she culled from a European newspaper, upon the 
death of my great-uncle, and which is very complimentary hoth to himself 
and to his family. 

" To-day a lady living in the same house with me, stopped me to say, 
that she was about to leave, and wished before her departure ti) have a 
conversation with me. She appointed a rendezvous at the Church. What 
do you think of that? For I dared not refuse. And suppose she suggests 
that we should elope together? I do not like to wound a woman, it seems 
to me so mean to refuse them anything. What then must I do? I am 
nicely caught ! I certainly do every thing in my power to avoid the con- 
quests of women, particularly of those who live in the same house. I 
never go down to the parlor; never seek tlicm, and yet of what use? It 
was only the other day that the one who awoke to find her husband a 
corpse, immediately sent for me. Iler mother-in-law, her sister-in-law, 
were in the house, and yet despite all this I was her first thought! She 
herself later confessed this to Mrs. Spalding. On me, therefore, devolved 
the task of turning the corpse over on its l)ack, of watching it during half 
the night. In fact, I intend having a placard made, which I shall wear 
suspended around my neck, and on which I shall have written, ' Women 
leave me alone, I belong to Mariquitta." 

" Frida;/, Noveniber 28. — Lest you be too teased, my dear little wife, 
about my rendezvous, let me appease you by the announcement that it 
apparently has failed, and that anyhow there was no danger, as the lady 
was old and, moreover, was very ugly. 

''Yours of the 19th and 20th has just reached me and it has filled me 
with transports of joy. It is very delightful to see myself so dearly loved by 
my little Mariquitta, and the praises of me falling from her lips are infin- 
itely sweet. You are mistaken in thinking that I entertain the slightest 
doubt of your love. It is long since I have ceased all doubt. It is impos- 
sible that I sliould ever again doubt it! You cannot realize how you fill 
the cup of my joy in loving and esteeming me as you now do, nor how 
much it formerly detracted from my happiness, that you did not. Dear, 
dear Mari((uitta, I too love you with my whole heart! 

" I am enchanted to know that our handsome little boy has cut a tooth, 
and that the limb of our dear little Marie looks bettei-. The Novena will 
gain her complete cure. I am soliciting prayers for her on all sides. 

"I am grateful to your good Mother, for the care she takes of and the 
aflfection she shows my children, at the same time that I sincerely pity your 
poor Father, whom for them she so abandons. I can perfectly sympathize 
witli him, as I told you in my last letter. 

" I am perfectly well and entirely rid of my cold, and since more than a 
week have resumed my cold baths,* or rather my shower baths, on rising 

* Juliu.s took a cold water bath every morning of the year, even breaking 
through the ice when impossible to take it otherwise. He found that he 



252 BIOGRAPHY OF 

every morning. I feel that I am greatly invigorated by them. Constantly 
I am told, how very well 1 seem to be, and that I am getting tieshier ; and. 
in fact, I believe that I am as fat as I have ever been. 

"Good-bye. dear ohorishod little wife, atfoctionatoly embrace every body 
for me. TiMiderly caress our dear children. I press you to my heart and 
smother you with kisses. 

"Your Jules." 
Julius to ^TariquHta. 

•" AVas3inoton, Sunday, November 30, 1856. 

"' My good, sweet, dear, charming little wife, how happy I am to be able 
to express to you how much your letter of the 19th and I20th ravished and 
deliciously charmed me ! If you could have been here. I would have 
smothered you with kisses I Yes. indeed, have smothered, or wliat you 
would have found to be the same tiling. Such a letter renders nie but too 
happy, affords me even consolation in our separation, nuvkes me forget all 
the sorrows, all the fatigues, all the vexations which can beset me. For 
it is a great happiness to a man, to feel that he is so tenderly loved by a 
woman, a woman whom he loves. There is no happiness on this earth, no 
human happiness, that can. in my opinion, compare with it. Receive then, 
darling Maricpiitta, a thousand caresses in gratitude for your good letter. 

'• Yesterday, although I was not anticipating another letter, I received 
yours of the 21st, and I nearly^ died laughing at Marie's answer to you. 
Poor little darling! she loVes her Papa so much, tiiat she imagines she 
owes to him every thing good that occurs to her! 

'' Thanks be to Ood, last week is over, and Congress assembles to-mor- 
row. AVe have worked unceasingly for the last three weeks, and especially 
this last week ; not only to prepare and expedite our own Reports, but 
also to assist the Secretary of War in completing his. Kach day was I 
unexpected!}' interrupted to hunt up some information or prepare some 
memorandum for him. And the work one performs in this rushing man- 
ner, which is so important that not a single mistake must be made, I find, 
fatigues my mind more than any other kind. Tliank God ! I am in hopes 
that it is finished. I liavc discovered that even the best will of Col. Cooper 
and of the Secretary was also worn out, for I had a good share in these 
hunts. Thank God I I am feeling so well and that I experienced only 
weariness. 

•' My health is really excellent. I take a great deal more exercise and a 
cold water bath every morning on rising ; and not only am I growing 
fleshier and becoming much stronger, but I also feel that this good progress 
is not stopping but is continually developing. 

'* To-day commences tiie Xovena for our little child, and I have already 
gone to Communion for this intention. One of the Sisters of Wm. Mat- 
received great benetit therefrom. He was, in addition to his other accom- 
plishments, a very tine swimmer. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 253 

tingly did the same. All the La3's unite with us, and went to Communion 
for the same intention. I yesterday visited with Miss Anna Lay the Or- 
phan Asylum, to ask the Superioress to join with us, together with her 
whole Oomm unity and all the Orphans, and she very graciously promised 
to do so. I explained the condition of our poor little child, and she said 
that she would mention it to the little Orphans and seek to interest them 
in her. It appears that these children think it is due to their prayers that 
the ' Army Appropriation Bill ' passed and Mr. Kuchanau was elected 
President ; they had begged these two things of Heaven. I trust they will 
be as successful in their prayers for us. 

"You do not tell me whether you have solicited the prayers of the 
Ladies of St. Joseph, nor Avhether yon have given them a good Alms. 
Do not forget, my darling, 1 beg, the strong recommendations I have made 
you upon this last subject. 

'' I have also asked the prayers of the Jesuits of Georgetown. My Con- 
fessor promised me to say a Mass for our intention, and I have recom- 
mended Marie to the prayers of the Arch-Confraternity of the chapel of 
the Jesuits as also to the Sodality. 

" I am pained to see, my darling, that you are weak and sufifering : do 
take care of yourself, I beg, as much as possible. Remember, I shall be 
afraid to bring you here in the Spring, if you continue to be so feeble. 
For I should fear that being then for from your Mother, who assists you 
80 much now, and myself being unable to do so, on account of ray Office 
which keeps me busy all the day, you would succumb under the manage- 
ment of our children. I supplicate you. darling Mariquitta, to endeavor, 
as I have so often and in so many instances begged of you, to accustom 
our children to pass a less time with you, that they may not claim your 
attentions alone, that they may learn to allow themselves to be dressed 
and undressed by the servants, etc. You are too delicate and too weak to 
perform all these things for them, as you always wish to do. A day will 
come when you will not be able to do any thing for them, if you do not 
now take proper care of yourself. Your strength will become entirely 
exhausted. 

" Embrace every body affectionately forme. Caress well and say many 
tender things to our dear children. I send you a thousand kisses, my 
darling, and remain always, 

" Your good 

'•Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington-, Monday, December 1st, 1856. 
" I received to-day, my dear wife, your letter of the 24th, and it breathed 
so much sorrow at our separation, so much sadness, that it rendered me 
also a little melancholy. I feel so pained to see you already so poorly and 
exhausted, that I cannot contemplate without suffering your being still 
tried by so much sorrow. You must actjuire courage, darling, j'ou have 



254 BIOGRAPHY OF 

still many enjoyments, you have all your fainily around you, you have 
two charming children in good health : and if our little loved one is sick, 
at least she is gay, she does not suffer, God gives her graces in her condi- 
tion. The fact is, dear Marir(uitta, that you ought to approach much 
oftener the Sacraments. Y'ou do wrong in listening to scruples inspired, 
without doubt, by the enemy of souls, and in continuing to abstain from 
Holy Communion — owing to inspirations so perverted and so baleful. I 
assure you, my darling, that you give me real pain in thus falling into 
snares, which the demon sets for your soul, lie thoroughly comprehends, 
wicked wretch ! that our only strength lies in the grace of God, which 
flows so copiously from the Holy Table ; he understands that we cannot 
live Avithout this sacred nourishment; that it is our strength, our courage, 
our consolation; he knows that the Blessed Virgin, through whom alone 
we can obtain the favors of God, is grieved, wounded to see us keep away 
fi'oin this great source of all blessings. Then he makes use of every arti- 
fice that he can find, to induce us to abandon this Divine Sacrament. How 
can you listen to him? Do you not see that if God can reasonably fear 
that we will not give a good example to our children, if He sees us relax- 
ing, searching for excuses so as not to practice our duties, that He will 
hesitate in reconfiding to us the child that Ave ask of Him and whom He 
had perhaps already marked out for Heaven? I beg of you, my Mari- 
quitta, to listen no longer to these fantastic reasons, these artificial scru- 
ples ; go to Communion as often as you can ; prepare yourself as well as 
your condition of mind will allow, and leave the rest to God. He will 
come to your aid and for your good intentions excuse the faults of your 
preparation. Remember, that eagerness is not a reason to withhold you, 
for the greatest Saints have been sufferers for want of it, have been 
tempted, but they knew the remedy and never failed to have recourse to 
it — that remedy that you, on the contrary, fly from. But you are going 
henceforth to do otherwise, are you not? You have need, I see, of per- 
forming every day some good spiritual reading : endeavor, therefore, to 
read regularly each day a chapter in The Spiritual Combat, or The Imita- 
tion, or 'A Devout Life,' or ' The Conferences.' 

" As I indicated in my last letter I have already commenced the Novena, 
and many good persons have commenced it with me. My mind feels tran- 
quil. I say to myself, that we are doing all that we can ; that if God does 
not accord to us the cure of our child, it is decidedly for good reasons. I 
saw, to-day on the street, a very small child, scarcely older than Marie, all 
hunch-bai'ked and deformed. I reflected, that there are many others who 
suffer and are afflicted in this world, much more so than our child, and 
who have not, as she has, kind parents, and an affectionate and devoted 
family, always ready to serve her, to amuse her, and to render her happy. 
It is, indeed, necessary that there should be among children some who are 
thus afflicted, and is it not better, that in place of selecting them from 
among a family, who are rude, selfish, harsh and cruel, God should place 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHK. 255 

the poor little being in a family, \\\\o surround her with love, kind 
attentions and carefulness? 

" Thursday, December 4f/i. — My young cousin, Jei-ome Bauduy, dined 
with me to-day. He said lie had received a few days ago a letter from his 
Mother, begging him to announce to me that they had commenced the 
Novena for Marie in her convent. 

'' My mind feels calm, I have a great deal of hope: it seems to me that 
the Blessed Virgin never showed herself more propitious and kind than 
lately. If our child is not cured by the end of the Novena, I shall still 
not give up hope: — I shall look upon that as only another trial, to which 
God wishes to subject our Faith. T shall continue, T trust, to pray and to 
perfect myself, so that the Blessed Virgin may have no reason to fear con- 
tiding her child to my care. And if notwithstanding all, my hope is lost, 
I shall submit with the cei'tainty that God has disposed of the fate of our 
child for the best: that His name may be blessed in this, like in all other 
things. 

" If by chance, my Mariquitta, God has chosen to defer the grace we ask 
of Ilim, you will promise me, will you not, not to allow yourself to become 
disheartened, not to allow yourself to murmur against Him? If you love 
me, dear wife, you will endeavor to resign yourself to His will : you Avill 
not discontinue any of your prayers, any act of devotion. Think of the 
pain, the grief, you would cause me, if you should allow yourself to be 
carried away by the spirit of revolt. Oh ! you could give me no greater 
pain than that! Poor, darling wife, how happy would I be to see you 
make a good Retreat, under some judicious director; it would do you so 
much good, you must have such need of it! I feel myself that tlie Mis- 
sion, in which I lately had the happiness of assisting, has done me an 
immense amount of good, in penetrating me with that truth (which we 
hear so frequently, without however paying any attention to it) ' that we 
are created for another life, and that it is for fliat life we ought to work,' 
- — that life of eternal happiness which our two dear Jittle angels are already 
enjoying, whom we shall be so happy to find one day ; — that this mortal 
life is very short, very miserable, and hardly deserves that we should occupy 
ourselves (vainly) in rendering it happy ;— that, in fine, it is better for us 
to have it unhappy, since it is an additional chance of attaining happiness 
in the other. 

" My paper is so filled I must really tell you Adieu. Embrace all the 
family affectionately for me; say a thousand tender things to our dear 
children, cover them with kisses. Dear, dear beloved one, how dearly I 
would love to give you some, what would I not give to see you before me, 
to hold you in my arms, to give you a thousand sweet caresses ! Dear, 
dear wife, Adieu. 

" Your good Jules." 



256 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius to Mariqttiila. 

"Washington, Friday, December 5, 1856. 

"I hoped, my beloved, to liave received a letter from you to-day, but I 
did not tind any at the Post Office. It will come, no doubt, to-morrow. I 
received one from Alexander. lie tells me that he has had Marie recom- 
mended to the prayers of those who are making the Public Novena at the 
Jesuits' Church in honor of St. Francis Xavier ; and believing that they 
are going to make the General Novena at the Immaculate Conception 
Church, he will not fail, in that case, to recommend her there. 

'^Sunday, December 7.^1 have just received, dear wife, your letter of 
the 30th November and am very happy to learn that you were able to go 
to Communion on the first day of the Novena. To-morrow it ends. I feel 
full of courage and hope, and at the same time full of resignation and calm, 
happen what may. Bear little Marie ! 

" It gives me great pleasure to know that your children allow you to 
sleep sometimes; you speak of it as if it were the rule, but I dare not 
think so ; hence I wish that you would have your wrapper made as soon 
as possible, and made thoroughly warm. 

"I am flattered by Na's refusal to dispense with my letters, when she 
saw one arrive for her sister. It proves that she has not altogether for- 
gotten me. As I could not trust myself to a thought so agreeable I did 
not write to her, the last time I wrote to Marie ; but next time I shall not 
fail. 

" You cannot imagine, my Mariquitta, the pleasure you cause me by the 
tenderness with which you dote on our son. Sureh* it is but natural that 
you should love him, and it should not surprise me ; yet none the less, in 
a most singular manner it pleases me. 

" I thank you for having given me at the end of the month an estimate, 
that I desire always to have, of the condition of your finances. 

•' It is not yet Winter here ; the weather is fresh but very beautiful. 
Nevertheless 1 find it very difficult to rise in the morning ; the bed seems so 
warm and the water of my bath so cold. However, I continue to take my 
cold water bath regularly, and I derive from it an immense benefit. 

"Adieu, dear little wife, take good care of your health if only to please 
me ! Embrace all the family aflcctionately. Caress a thousand times and 
say ten thousand tender things to our dear children, and receive a thou- 
sand even more tender caresses from 

"Your Jules." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. O A RESCUE. 257 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

End of Novena — Julius speaks to Mariquitta of resignation should it prove 
contrary to their hopes — Reading his sole pleasure, is averse to society — 
the kind of religious instruction he means for their children — letter from 
Father Fred — Julius' dread regarding result of Novena and great desire 
to know how Mariquitta beai's the disappointment — his consoling advice — 
true happiness is not of this world — his pang of heart about his renounced 
trip to Algiers — beautiful and simple little act of devotion for Mariquitta 
to practice — begs her not to be so sad and discouraged — her j)articular at- 
traction for him at first — his further reference to little act of devotion — 
his longings and yet dread to hear from her — receipt of her letter — pray- 
ers and acts of devotion he again recommends to her — Major Porter's 
second trial, and liow he makes it " black and blue for the witnesses," 
and his declaration that " Juliua was the only gentleman at Fort Brown" 
— receipt of two letters from Mariquitta — letters from Alexander and her 
father — Julius' joy to learn how piously Mariquitta bears her great dis- 
appointment — his reference to his children — " Christmas is approaching" 
and his entreaty to Mariquitta to purchase for herself some pretty things 
— his enthusiastic admiration for Beauty in all things. 

Julius to MariqidUa. 

'* Washington, Tuesday, December 9, 1856. 
" The Novena is finished, darling, and you already know its result, 
which I am so impatient to learn. It has done me a great deal of good, in 
teaching me to do justice to the goodness and the wisdom of God, who 
knows infinitely better than we do, what is for our true advantage. I ex- 
perience a resignation I did not previously possess, and my great solicitude 
now is, that with your heart of a Mother, you will not be able so readily 
to accommodate yourself to Ilis Supreme AVill, should the cure of our dear 
child have been denied to us, or at least delayed. But you will control- 
yourself, will you not, my dear wife ! You will have the courage to over- 
come the temptation of murmuring against Divine Providence, which the 
enemy of God and your own, will not fail to beset you. Oh ! if you will 
only reflect how wrong it would be for you, how ungrateful towards a God 
who has, save this one exception, so enriched you with blessings in your 
children ; how likely it would be to excite His wrath and thus destroy 
every chance which may yet remain for the cure of our child ; you would 
have good care not to listen to the deceitful suggestions of him who would 
ruin you if he could. And believe me, there is yet many a hope of the 
cure of our child. I believe that every one concurs in saying that in the 

17 



258 BIOGRAPHY OF 

case of a child so young, there ai'e maiu/ chances, especiaUy wliile her 
general health continues so good, and you must admit, that her iiealth is 
excellent. Trust me, then, dear wife, let us not despair, but putting our 
trust always in God and the Blessed A'irgin let us continue to pray and 
strive to become better, more resigned, more faithful to our duties, more 
detached from ourselves, and even more devoted to God; and to M'in suc- 
cess, to approach more frequently the Sacraments, so that we may inspire 
confidence in God, tluvt we will deserve that He should spare us this dear 
child, to rear her in His holy love. 

'' I have no news to give you. My life is a monotonous one and if I 
did not make a Rule to go out so much, I feel that I would succumb to the 
' Blues.' The truth is, I have no real pleasure except that of Reading, of 
which I deprive myself to go out. While to visit, to go into society, are 
both of them real bores to me, to which I submit with great difficulty. 
But I force myself to do so, and thanks be to God, and to our Holy Reli- 
gion, I enjoy a great peace of mind, a great deal of calmness, of courage, 
and of resignation. 

"I think that you misunderstood me in regard to the i*eIigious instruc- 
tion with Avhich we should begin to imbue our children. You seem to 
think that I meant the Catechism, but I did not think of such a thing, for 
our two daughters are still too young for this, and I would even fear that 
it would weary Marie. What I did wish, was that under the guise of sim- 
ple stories you would frequently relate to them the chief incidents of the 
Creation of Man, the history of the Patriarchs and of the Jews, of the 
wickedness of Men, their ingratitude towards God, of the Incarnation of 
our Saviour, of His Passion, and of our Redemption. That you should 
try to make them also undei-stand the goodness of God, of our Saviour, of 
Mary, of their love for us, of their horror of Sin, the happiness of Heaven, 
the terrible pains of Hell, and thus, little by little, you siiould train their 
young hearts, through love of God, to love Good and to hate Evil. 

" Wednesday, December 10. — To-day, dearest, I received your letter of 
Dec. 3rd, together with one from Frederick of tlie 8th. Frederick had 
then just completed the Novena. He tells me that thrice he received 
Communion for our intention, and that he had obtained a number of 
Masses and Communions among the Fathers and the Bi-others, not only of 
those at Fordham* but also of those in New York City: also prayers and 
Communions in the Convent of the Ursulines, in the two Convents of the 
Sacred Heart, and in the two Houses of the Sisters of Mercy. He begs 
me to express to you how much he sympathizes with you, ' a Sister whom 
he has never seen, but whom nevertheless he loves so much.' And he 
adds, that it is particularly on your account that he joined his prayers to 
our own ; because, for himself, ' he would be more pleased to see his little 
niece enter Heaven, where she could pray for her parents, than that she 

* College of the Jesuit Fathers near New York City. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIVS P. GARESCHE. 259 

should run the risk of losing her sonl and leading a life of misery in this 
world.' 

"I expected that should a miracle have been performed by the good 
God upon our child, that you Avould have announced the news to me by 
telegraph. And yet, although it is already the 10th of the month, I do 
not abandon all hope. And, moreover, I confess that I so little deserve so 
great and signal a favor, that I dare not expect it. Hence my great pre- 
occupation is, to learn how you bear the disappointment. You will give 
me, my Mariquitta, so much, so much pain, if you should not be able to 
resign yourself to the will of God. Remember also, I do beg of you. that 
the cure of our child is probably only deferred ; or if it is never to be, it 
is because it would prove to be ^;05/i'/wZy hurtful to her; and if so, cer- 
tainly you would not desire it. It was once revealed to a Saint that no 
prayer was ever lost — /io, never: that when God did not grant one's re- 
quest, He bounteously accorded other blessings which He knew to be more 
necessary. Think then of the quantity of pious prayers which have so 
tenderly rejoiced the heart of God, and implored His Pity and His Mercy 
in favor of our child and of ourselves: what graces these prayers will 
obtain for us! Ah ! my Mariquitta, do not let us reject them, but on the 
contrary let us respond to them, and make good use of them ! 

" I think the idea of my little Na, that you should not whip her, because 
you hurt her, is exquisite in its originality. 

" I am so glad to know that the first two teeth of Louis have been so 
easily cut. Kiss him tenderly for me, as well as my much loved Marie 
and my sweet little Na. Tell them a thousand honeyed things for me. I 
wished to write to my little Marie, as also to Na — since she likewise values 
my letters — but this evening I do not feel well enough. 

" Embrace all the family for me and thank them, and also all those who 
joined their prayers with ours, for their goodness. 

" Dear wife, I love you with all my heart, I wish that I could be at your 
side, to console you by ray affection and my caresses for the grief and sor- 
row in which, as I fear, you are plunged. But take courage, dear Mari- 
quitta, it Avill be but a short while before we are reunited, and then, as I 
hope, never again to be separated from each other. Until then I know not 
what to advise you, for I dare not ask of Col. Cooper the permission you 
suggest. Dear little one, I clasp you to my heart and send you a quantity 

of kisses. 

"Your Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Washington, Sunday, December 14, 1856. 
" I was very much disappointed this morning, my darling, in receiving 
no letter from you; so disappointed that I feel little impulse to write. 
Your last letter is of the 3rd, and five or six days have elapsed since its 
arrival. I recognize, however, that during the Novena you may not have 
had the courage to write ; that your thoughts were absorbed in the im- 



260 BIOORAPHV OF 

pending crisis and your heart the sport of a whirlwind of anxiety and 
hope, chasing, warring and clashing each with the other, that you knew 
not how to write to me and therefore waited the outcome. 

"Courage, my Mariquitta, we dwell on this earth only to fulfill the will 
of God, a few fleeting moments, only to be all of us reunited in His Su- 
preme Happiness for an endless Eternity. Let us remember, that it is not 
here below that our happiness has been promised to us, hence we must 
expect trials, sufferings — that these are even a proof of our predestination 
to Eternal Happiness. We are surrounded by thousands of beings who 
have never been baptized, who do not think of God or of the next world, 
but who nevertheless are good neighbors, amiable, charitable, honest, &c. 
Their human virtues must necessarily be rewarded ; and since they have 
chosen for their part this world in preference to God, He gives them their 
reward here below. You would not wisli to be happy like them, would 
you, during this brief terrestrial life, to be unhappy forever hereafter: 
you would not desire such happiness for your children, would you ? Well ! 
we must choose, we cannot enjoy the happiness of both worlds ; we must 
suffer sorrow and affliction here or hereafter. Which shall we select? 

" A few days since, I read in the Courrier des Etats Unis,* that a num- 
ber of Bavarian and Wurtemberg Officers had obtained from their Govern- 
ments the permission to join the great expedition against the Kabyls in 
Algeria; and I am free to confess it to you, that my heart on reading it 
felt a slight pang that I could not also enjoy the same great privilege. 

" I think that I have already written to you that Lydiaf Johnston and 
her husband, as well as Dr. Abadie, and I presume his family, are at this 
moment garrisoned at Jefferson Barracks and will probably remain there 
a long while. 

"Of myself I have no news to communicate. My life runs along peace- 
fully, I am no longer overburthened with office work, I visit enough and 
am in good health. I am full of calm and courage. God has also deigned 
to inspire me Avith a great deal of resignation, which is always strength- 
ened by a great frequency of the Sacraments and the daily recitation of 
two pairs of the Beads of our Lady and of the Sacred Heart. I would 
like to hear that you too, my dear wife, regularly practiced this devotion. 
It would obtain for you such graces, such aid, such strengtli and courage. 

" There is another one which I would particularly enjoin upon you, it 
is so easy, and I should be so contented to have your promise of perform- 
ing it frequently. It is simply this. Often during the day (even in the 
midst of your occupations, but especially in your moments of despondency) 

* A newspaper published in New York City in the French language. 

f Lydia McLane, sister-in-law of Bauduy P. Garesche and married to 
Lieut. Colonel Joseph E. Johnston, U. S. A., who in 1861 resigned liis com- 
mission — then Brigadier General and Quartermaster General of the Army 
— and went South and became one of its leading Generals. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 261 

tui-n your thoughts to Our Saviour Jesus, corporeally present on the Altar 
of some Church, neglected and deserted, where He dwells sad, solitary, 
abandoned, — He so full of love, who has suffered so much for us, who loves 
us so greatly ! It is unnecessai'y to pray, to make even a single ejacula- 
tion, especially if you must make an effort to do so. Let only your thoughts 
turn to Him, and dwell upon His state of destitution, of neglect and sad- 
ness, if only for an instant ; but accustom yourself to do this often during 
the day. Make this mental visit whenever you can, in company with 
Mary, the Mother of our good Jesus ; unite your heart to hers, so sad and 
dolorous before this spectacle of the ingratitude of men ! As you see, it is 
very simple, very easily done ; and yet I doubt whether you could perform 
any thing more agreeable to God, or which would procure for you greater 
graces. Will you not, my Mariquitta, make the trial ? 

" I cannot express to you, dear wife, how much affected I am by your 
discouragement, your sadness, and the decline of your health. It has of 
late become my chief preoccupation, my greatest grief. I beg of you, to 
seek by your devotions, by Spiritual Reading, greater resignation to the 
Will of God, greater detachment from human inclinations. And think 
that we will be reunited before long ! December i.s almost ended ; in two, 
perhaps three months, we will again be clasped in each other's arms, never 
again, I trust, to be separated. What a happiness, for me, dear Mari- 
quitta, again to possess you, my only treasure! But how that joy will be 
corroded by bitterness and uneasiness, if I find you weak, suffering, dis- 
couraged ! By your love for me, then, darling wife, learn to overcome the 
sadness which has such influence on your health. Try to do all that de- 
pends on yourself, so that I may find my Mariquitta, plump, gay, and in 
good health. Remember, that I am naturally of a sombre and unhappy 
character, that what particularly attracted me to you, was your gay and 
careless disposition ; that you have always buoyed me up, been able to 
rouse my courage, — that I depend entirely on you. For love of me then, 
dear Mariquitta, take care of yourself; be courageous, resigned, submis- 
sive and patient! Dear, dear wife, I love you so much, that you cannot 
imagine how painful it is to me to see you unhappy or suffering. 

"Embrace all the family for me: caress our dear little children; and 

receive for yourself a thousand tender marks of affection, a thousand sweet 

kisses 

"From your Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, December 14, 1856. 
" 1 wish again, dear wife, to recommend to you the little act of devotion, 
of which I spoke in my last letter. I call it little, because it is so easy, so 
well adapted to the busy life you lead, which is so little your own ; but I 
ought rather to have called it ' grand,' in view of the satisfaction it will 
give to Jesus and Mary, and of the abundance of graces it will procure 



262 BIOGRAPHY OF 

for you. I allude to the Practice, of often during tlie day directing your 
thoughts to our Saviour, really present as lie is on so many Altars, where 
He dwells in solitude, abandoned and sad, — lie -vvho is so full of love for 
men, who so cruelly neglect him! I do not ask of you a single prayer; 
the emotion of pity which you cannot avoid experiencing at such a toucliing 
scene, and wliich will become the sti'onger as you persevere, is more dear 
to the hearts of Jesus and Mai-y than would be a whole Litany of prayers. 
And yet it is easily accomplished, is it not, dear wife, even in the midst of 
your cares ! And it will prove one of your greatest consolations in your 
moments of sadness. 

"• Thursday, December 18. — Vainly, day after day, have I looked for a 
letter from you, my IMariquitta. Appreciating how painfully your heart 
would be agitated during the Novena, I thought that during it you would 
not have the courage to write, and hence reconciled myself to your silence. 
But now I can no longer doubt l)Ut that some very serious cause lies be- 
neatli tliis delay, and I confess it, my courage began to wane and my 
patience was thoroughly tried when on my visit to the Post Office to-day 
I found my box again empty. Your last letter is dated the 3rd, therefore 
a fortniglit has elapsed since and nearly ten days since its receipt. Allow- 
ing six days for its transit I could to-day have received one dated the 12th, 
that is to say, four days after the end of the Novena. 

"Are you sick, my poor wife? It is what I fear. I am afraid the dis- 
appointment has been too much for you and that your system has been too 
long and too seriously tried, as has been the case with you since the com- 
mencement of the illness of our dear child. ' I am now almost afraid to 
receive a letter, so frightened am I lest my gloomy presentiments should 
be verified. My poor, dearly beloved Mariquitta! You, my dear, dear 
little wife, whom I so tenderly love ! 1 beg of you not to allow yourself 
to be overcome by your sorrow ! Think of the anguish you cause me, by 
your neglect of your health, which is so dear to me. and by exciting such 
anxieties, which I have so little courage to conquer I 

" Friday, December 19. — At last, dear Mariquitta, I am in receipt of your 
letter begun on the 7th and completed on the '.Hh, and it has given me 
great consolation. It is true, you tell me, that no favorable change is seen 
in the condition of Marie, and you, my poor little one, suffer in making 
this announcement. I too am greatly pained, but yet it is no news to me, 
because for ten days past I have not doul)ted it. I knew that were it other- 
wise you would not have failed to gladden my heart by at once telegraphing 
me the tidings. 

" At the same time, your silence began to disturb me ; at first, on your 
own account 1 was very uneasy, then lest Louis, attacked by scarlet fever, 
was dangerously ill. At last, thanks be to God, I see that there was no 
reason for my fears. Our two youngest are well, Marie does not suffer : 
and you, darling, bear your disapjiointment with patience and resignation. 
These are excellent news and I thank Hod for them. Let us continue to 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 263 

ask of Ilim the cure of Marie, in the name and through the merits of our 
Saviour, through the intercession of the Immaculate Virgin, and especially 
let us the more merit it, by our greatest fervor, by our greatest fidelity to 
our religious duties, by our absolute submission to the Will of the Omnip- 
otent. Say but few prayers, but say them well, in a recollected manner, 
meditating as much as possible upon the Passion of our Saviour. Observe 
what I here tell you ; for the Devil often tempts us to say many prayers, 
knowing that if we undertake too many, we will not fail to say them 
hastily, without devotion, etc. Do not say the entire Beads, but only a 
decade, until you have formed the habit of saying it with recollection. 
Then if you are so inclined, you may say a second decade and so on. But 
say the Beads always in serious meditation upon the mystery attached to 
each decade : otherwise it will be difficult to recite them with attention and 
fervor, and you will also gain less merit and confer less pleasure on the 
Blessed Virgin. But most especially do I urge upon you to adopt this 
very day the simple Practice, of which I spoke in my last letter and also 
in the beirinnin"- of this one. You can form no idea of the abundant 
graces, of the courage and resignation, it will procure for you. 

"Mussina from time to time pays me a call at the Office. The other 
day he told me that Capt. Shannon was in town, sick. I called, and Shan- 
non gave me news of Fort Brown, &c. He had recently seen Pelouze,* 
the Dr.,t Capt. Phelps, and Howard at New Orleans, some on their way 
to Florida and others to Leavenworth. He says that the Court-Martial % 
of Maj. Porter is interminable. The Major has for his lawyers Power and 
Bigelow, and it seems that he makes it black and blue for the witnesses. 
These gentlemen told him tlnxt instead of contenting himself with his own 
exculpation, as far as in his power, he subjects every witness to a public 
examination of conscience, particular and general. It seems that all the 
while he remained at Fort Brown the old fox took notes of every thing he 
saw or heard on the part of the witnesses ; and with his notes spread out 
before him, he begins, 'Were you not drinking on such and such a day 
with Webb and Miller? Were you not accidentally a little drunk on such 
and such another day &c?' Pelouze declared to Capt. Shannon that he 
did not believe that he had ever drunk a glass of wine, at any place, dur- 
ing his sojourn at Fort Brown, of which the old Major was not cognizant. 

'' Capt. Shannon told Mussina, and himself repeated it to me afterwards, 
that the old Major declares to every one who will listen to him, that I was 
the only gentleman among them all ; and it seems that he avows for me a 
great esteem and affection. What think you of all this, my Mariquitta? 



* Louis H. Pelouze, a young officer of the 4th Artillery and subsequently 
a member of the Adjutant General's Corps. 

t Probably Dr. Jarvis, U. S. A. 

+ Major Porter was being tried on charges preferred against him by Capt. 
Phelps. 



264 BIOGRAPHY OF 

'•But I must tell you good-bye, luy clearly beloved. Embrace all the 
family affectionately for me: give a thousand caresses and say ten thousand 
tender things to our dear children. I press you with love and tenderness 
to my heart and with many kisses remain always, my Mariquitta, 

"Your good Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

'•Washington, Sunday, December 21, 1856. 

" Dearly beloved, for two days past the weather has been so gloomy and 
disagreeable, that I have been unable entirely to cast off the feeling of sad- 
ness, with wiiich it inspired me. But I am greatly aided by the good 
God. These moments of sadness are but rare, and I am both morally and 
physically a great deal better than I was last year. 

" I received day before yesterday your letter of the 7th and 9th, and this 
morning that of the 12th. 

" I did not tell you in my last letter the painful impression caused by 
my first glimpse of your Father's. I had been ten days without any news 
from youi-self, and this silence began to worry me. To see then a letter 
from Alexander arrive simultaneously with one from your Father, who so 
seldom writes to me, made me tremble ; for I inferred the announcement 
of some bad news. I was afraid to open them, but after awhile, thanks 
be to God, I was able to assure myself that my fears were groundless. 

" Your Father writes very kindly, and affectionately alludes to our chil- 
dren. 'Louis,' he says, 'has improved a great deal, and improves from 
day to day in flesh, beauty, and goodness.' He speaks more favorably of 
Na than he usually does, and grovrs a little enthusiastic over what ' he 
sees of the good, the sensible, and the loving in the character of Marie.' 

" I was truly touched by the affectionate letter of our good and dear 
Nancy, and would wish to answer it at once ; I would also like very mucli 
to be able to write to your good Mother ; but since my return I have been 
too much engaged to devote as much time as formerly to my private 
correspondence. You will not fail, darling, to make my excuses to the 
family. 

" I infer from your last letter, to my great joy, that you are more re- 
signed to the will of God and bear your great disappointment with all the 
patience and resignation I could desire. You do well in this, dear Mari- 
quitta, giving thus a good example to your daughter, that she may learn 
from you to recognize the goodness of God in every act of Ilis, to love 
Him, to bless Him, to serve Him with her whole heart. This is her only 
resource of being happy on this Earth. Let us then do our utmost to 
increase it. by our best efforts to promote her piety. 

" I am happy to learn that my little Na bears me in tender remem- 
brance, and I hope she will preserve this good remembrance until we are 
reunited. Is she becoming less choleric and pouty ? 

•' I am also so glad to learn that our little Louis grows so pretty and so 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 265 

good. How I would love to hear his little coo, to enjoy the kisses that I 
long so greatly to imprint on his little velvety cheek ! 

" And my Marie, my little beloved, does she reconcile herself to my 
absence? Dear child, she becomes every day dearer to me ! And it does 
me good, to see how your Father appreciates her fine qualities, her golden 
little heart, so afiectionate, that God has given to our treasure ! 

"Christmas is rapidly approaching; and as I am not there to give you, 
as I would wish, a beautiful present, do you, my darling, give it to your- 
self. Give me also the pleasure of not being sparing with your money in 
this festive season. You have so few pleasures, so do, at least, give your- 
self this one. And for yourself do, I beseech you, purchase pretty things. 
You know that I am an enthusiastic admirer of Beauty in every thing and 
everywhere, and that I cannot endure to see you wear any thing either 
ugly or common. It is truly money thrown away when you do so ; for it 
is your duty to please me by your nice dress and I confess that during my 
visit your toilet provoked both my shame and js/^y. 

" Adieu, my dai'ling, embrace your Father, Mother, Sisters, Robert, and 
Cissey for me. Wish them all ' A Merry Christmas' in my name, as also 
Dr. Lewis. Caress our dear, dear little children, and do not forget them 
on New Year's day. I press you to my heart, dearly beloved, and send 
you a thousand tender kisses. 

"Your Jules." 



266 BIOGRAPHV OF 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Christmas — their terrible voyage on preceding one — severe "Winter — Sister 
Lucy— how did his Mariquitta and children spend their Christmas — his 
desire and her failing to give him little details about herself and the chil- 
dren in her letters — how he is spending his Christmas — is full of hope, 
love, and courage — his ardent desire that they should not allow their 
children ever to lose their precious little souls — fears he is to have two 
serious boils about the eye which will hinder his writing to her — enor- 
mous occupation at the Office — his love and devotion for her — pain her 
last letter has given him and entreaty for her forgiveness for his scolding 
and his sorrow at this scolding — his beautiful tribute to her loving heart 
— his repugnance to but still making New Year's calls — Capt. Phelps — 
Cassin's statement about Major Porter's trial — no need to worry about 
himself, and his pain in their separation — Congress to increase the pay 
of Officers of the Army and its absolute necessity — General Quitmart's 
strong language — necessity of Mariquitta preserving her health — Major 
Garnett's notice of her strong resemblance to the beautiful Rachel — 
Julius' recommendation for her father to remain in the U. S. — heavy 
snows — the "Army Bill' — his fond recollections of her, and her image 
ever present to his mind. 

Juliua to Mariquitta. 

"Washingtox, Thursday, December 25, 1856. 
." To-day, my darling, is Holy Christmas. Do you remember what a sad 
time we had on its last anniversary ! AVhat a terrible voyage ! I shall 
never forget it ! I am very happy to think that you are to-day with our 
children in peace, in comfort, and in safety. To-day the weather is fine, 
as if on purpose. For three days past Winter attacked us like a thunder- 
bolt with squalls of icy winds, clouds of dust, snow, hoar frost, and an 
excessive cold. The River was at once frozen and they say that the ice 
on it is already a foot thick. I do not think that I ever suffered more 
from the cold, even last winter, as during this disagreeable tempest. 

"I have just paid a visit to the Superioress of the Sisters of Charity. 
She interests herself very much in Marie, and we have become great 
friends. She has the appearance of being a verj- saintly woman. 

" IIow are you, my Mariquitta, spending your Christmas? What pres- 
ents have you received ; what have you given? What have you pui-chased 
to please our dear childi'cn? Did you make them hang up their stockings 
last night, to find them this morning filled with candies? Did they seem 
to be happy ? Do relate all of these details. It will give me so much 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 267 

pleasure, and unfortunately just such simple details are matters of which 
you never think, dear Mariquitta, of writing to me, notwithstanding I 
have so often asked you to do so. Your Mother or Nancy in only one of 
their letters give me more interesting incidents in regard to yourself and 
my children than are contained in half a dozen of yours. 

" As for myself, my Christmas is not i-emarkably gay. As you may 
perceive, I am in my room, quietly engaged in writing to you ; but I feel 
happy. I have heard my three Masses ; I had the pleasure of receiving 
Communion, and now my heart blesses God for all the blessings He has 
so bounteously showered upon us and turns with love to yourself, the 
beloved wife, and to those dear children, with whom He has crowned my 
happiness. 

" Dear Mariquitta, I feel full of hope, love and courage. I say to my- 
self, that I shall soon see you and, as I hope, never again to be separated 
from you. I do not in the least despair of the cure of our dear Marie ; I 
continue to pray for it and do not doubt but that eventually God will 
accord it to our perseverance ; particularly, if we seek to please Him, by 
leading a better life, by thinking more frequently of Him, and by proving 
ourselves to be more grateful for the graces and favors with which He has 
already favored us, and which He still so generously bestows every day 
upon us. 

" I hope, darling, that you have not wearied of relating to our little 
girls sacred stories: that you do your utmost to imbue them with a true 
and lively love for God, our Saviour, and for the Blessed Virgin. Let us 
do all we possibly can, dear Mariquitta, that our children may never lose 
their precious souls and may never curse us for having given them their 
existence, only that they should \)Q forever lost. 

" I fear, as happened last year, that I am about to have two large boils 
on my face. Already all around my eyes there is a swelling and I fear, 
that if this continues, it will happen, as last year, that I shall not be able 
to see to write to you ; and hence you will be deprived of my letters. 
Already I experience regret on account of it, judging you by myself, that 
it would be to you so serious a privation. But, at least, if it should so 
occur, being forewarned of the cause you would not, my darling, be un- 
easy. My health continues to be most excellent. I still take my cold bath 
every morning, never omitting it, however cold the weather has been, and 
I tiike an immense amount of exercise. I am constantly making new ac- 
quaintances, some of whom I anticipate will prove agreeable to yourself. 

" I hope you have not hesitated to gratify the various caprices of gifts 
which may have tempted you. Tell me all about this and about all the 
different gifts presented to each other by the members of the family. Kiss 
everybody for me ; tenderly fondle our dearly loved children, make them 
in my behalf many a little cajolery and receive for yourself, my dear, dear 
Mariquitta, a thousand sweet kisses. I love you with all my heart. 

"Your Jules." 



268 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Saturday, December 27, 1856. 

" My sweet, dear, charming; darling, I love you, love you with all my 
heart. IIow I yearn to be with you ! How I miss your sweet caresses ! 
I dare not dwell on our separation, the thought would be too oppressive. 
I would become too unhappy. Indeed I do not know how I endure with 
so much courage our present separation. True, I feel that God aids me : 
that it is to Him I owe my courage. Besides, since my return, I have 
been enormously occupied. The most important and most laborious part 
of the work of the entire year is ever incident to the re-assembling of 
Congress. My mind has been so busied with my duties that I have had 
no time to indulge in love reveries. But soon, within a month, I shall 
have finished all that preoccupies and harasses me, and then I must look 
out for other sources of labor and preoccupation. 

" The weather is delicious to-day. Spring like, and the sunshine, in- 
spiring a good humor, has greatly assisted me — confined to my room, as I 
have been the whole day. For, as I had expected, I was compelled to re- 
commence treating my left eye with lotions and emollients &c., as it had 
again become inflamed. It is already a little better and my right eye is 
almost cured. It is not of much importance, and fortunately I suifer but 
little. If I must spend, as I anticipate, to-morrow also in my I'oora, I hope 
that I shall be regaled with a letter from my little Mariquitta to console 
me, — a letter in Avhich she will say that she is going to be reasonable and 
renounce, as I have begged, the nursing of her child. Will I be thus 
gratified ? 

"Sinidai/, December 28. — No letter to-day, my darling, from you : but. 
no doubt, it will come to-morrow ! My darling Mariquitta, what would I 
not give for some of your sweet kisses ! I do so miss you whenever, in a 
moment of rest and tranquillity, my heart is free to speak ! 

" I have no news to give you ; I shall not leave my room until my eye is 
entirely cured. For some days past the weather has been so mild as to 
render fires unnecessary. 

'■''Monday., December 29. — My eye was so very much improved this morn- 
ing that I was tempted to go to the office, but prudent counsels detei-red 
me, and I accordingly remain in my room. Without, the day is magnifi- 
cent and a fire is a disagreeable superfluity. 

" This beautiful weather leads me into sweet thoughts of you, little 
Mariquitta, into thoughts of love and dreams of happiness, in which 1 
seem to be reunited with you and our dear children and as happy as it is 
possible to be on this earth. 

"I am just this moment handed your letter of the 21st, and I am 
almost angry with you, my Mariquitta ; first, for your want of submission 
to Almighty God; and next, for your want of obedience, of respect, of 
affection for myself. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 269 

" In these respects, your letter gave me a great deal of pain and I do 
hope, iny poor little one, that you will — by dwelling oftener on the Passion 
of our Lord, by uniting yourself more frequently with His heart, made 
desolate by the neglect and ingratitude of men, by practicing more reg- 
ularly the simple devotion I urged upon you — do what you can to merit 
the great grace of a more perfect resignation to that Supreme and Merciful 
Will, which desires only your welfare and that of your child, but which 
foreseeing more clearly than you can, promotes it even now by methods 
that — to the blindness of your vision — appear to be harsh and even cruel. 
Dear Mariquitta, to see this spirit of insubordination in you causes me more 
pain than all the rest! Your letter, in this regard, greatly saddened me. 

•' As for the other subject, I had dared to pi-omise myself that you loved 
me sufficiently not to refuse the prayers, so fervent and so reasonable, as 
those I addressed you relative to taking a nurse. 

■• I will not tell you all that my wounded and, I may even add, irritated 
heart tempts me to say on this subject. I regret; that I have to say even 
this much. The pain it will cause you is another pang for me which I 
suflFer from in advance. But nevertheless you must endure it, if you will 
persist in only following your own will in this regard. For my own part, 
your health and your life are to me objects too precious that I can see them 
sacrificed. I insist, therefore, and shall continue to insist, that you take a 
nurse for your child. Do not, my dear Mai'iquitta, drive me to extrem- 
ities, do not at last rouse me to anger, by your further refusal to listen to 
me ! We are already sufficiently tried without adding ourselves to our 
trials. Our mutual love is too great a good that we should in the least 
menace it. If I offend you, I ask your forgiveness ; for it is not my inten- 
tion to inflict pain. I anly wish you to understand, so that you may not 
ignore it, that my firm resolution is that you shall not kill yourself by con- 
tinuing to nurse your child. You must confess that I have spared neither 
prayers nor supplications to obtain this object, and that it is not my fault 
if I am forced to adopt a different tone. 

""On reading again your letter I see that you do not allude to those 
letters, in which I so earnestly begged you to obtain a nurse. Perhaps, 
you had not yet received them ; and if so, I have been too hasty in scold- 
ing you, and you do not merit that I should write as I have just done. 
Ah ! my Mariquitta, forgive me, for you know not how uneasy I am on 
your account, how your state of health worries and saddens me ! If, my 
dearly loved wife, I have given you pain, refer it truly to the love I bear 
you. Can you not do this? Oh ! Mariquitta, if you love me, prove it to 
me by taking care of yourself! AVhat would I be, what would become of 
me without you ! 

" Embrace all the family for me : caress well our darling children, say 
to them a thousand tender things for me. I press you to my heart, that 
heart which loves you more than its life. 

" Your Jules." 



270 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" P. S. Even should you liavo to pay ?4() a montli for a good nurse, do 
not hesitate to do so ; and do not on this account dismiss Lucy. My little 
Marie clings so to her, and depends so entirely on her for the only amuse- 
ments which remain to her. poor little one ! that I would wish to keep 
Lucy as long as she would be willing to remain. Hence I will be grieved 
if you send her away and beg of you, darling, not to do so." 

Julius to MariquiUa. 

" Washixgton, Tuesday, December 30th, 1856. 

*' Pardon me, my dear wife, if I caused you pain by the letter I addressed 
you yesterday. It was certainly not my intention to do so, but my love 
for you, my solicitude for your health carried nie away. I know perfectly 
well, that you have not been impelled, either through selfishness or ob- 
stinacy. That it was a tender maternal feeling for which you sacrificed 
your health, your will and my own, to the welfare of our children. I do, 
my own Mariquitta. even admire your devotion and self-denial. And the 
ti'uth told, I was far, very tar from being as angry as I permitted myself 
to appear : but it had become full time to put an end to your sacrifices, 
unless I was willing to see you succumb. And, therefore, I was forced to 
speak as T did. Any other style would have failed. Forgive me then, my 
Mariquitta, you know that I love you with my whole heart. And it was 
only, because of the interest I take in you, the love I bear you, that I saw 
mvself forced to address you thus. 

" Thursday, New Yearns Day, 1857. — I would love, my dear Mariquitta, 
to clasp you in my arms, to cover you with kisses, to make you forget 
every thing I had said that might have distressed you in regard to the 
nurse for Louis. I am always so unhappy, when I think that I have 
caused you pain. I so bitterly reproach myself for it, so cruel in me does 
it appear. Poor dear little thing, you are already so unhappy, so much 
are you tried I And it was very unjust, too. for me to accuse you of wil- 
fulness. If you have been so in the Past, I also have been : and if, as my 
love for you increased, I have learned to yield, you likewise have learned 
how to do the same : and you could not have given me a better proof of it, 
than by the baptism of our little Louis, as soon as you did. It was verj' 
wrong in me then to make you any reproach whatever, my darling wife, — 
you who bear with so much courage, devotion, self-denial and love, the diffi- 
cult burthen which devolves upon you. Again, do I beg of you to forgive 
me. my Mariquitta. Never. I assure you, could I have brought myself to 
speak to 30U thus, but that my love for you — anxious-;iud suflering on your 
account — roused me to the pitch of sharply rescuing you from the state of 
sacrifice to which you had abandoned yourself. Hence, my cherished wife, 
reprove only my excessive love for you, if I have wounded your feelings. 

" Have no anxiety about me, 1 deprive myself of nothing. I have one of 
the best rooms in the house, the table is one of the best in the city, and at 
night I am well wrapped up. Indeed I often reproach myself with being 



LIEUT. COL. JirLIVS P. QARESCHE. 271 

too well, too luxuriously installed. My eye is well, and yesterday I went 
to the Office. 

''I embrace you, dearest, with an ovcrtlowinc; love. Kiss all the family 
for me and wish them in my behalf A llapjjy New Year. Caress my little 
treasures, my dear children. I press you to my heart, my darling, and 
remain faithfully 

" Your Jules." 

Extract from a letter of Julius to ISIariquitta. 

" Washington, Friday, January 2nd, 1857. 

* * * -X- -X- * * -X- * -X- * * -X- 

" After a long hesitation, of several days, and despite a I'epugnance 
which you can easily appreciate, I at last decided to make the round of 
visits incident to New Years' day. Though it occupied me a good part of 
the day, yet it did not bore me as much as I anticipated. I went alone 
and paid fifteen. I would greatly have prefeiTcd, however, remaining 
home and writing to you, my dear Mariquitta. * * *" 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, AVednesday, January 7, 1857. 

" I wish, my darling Mariquitta, to write to you without further alluding 
to the nurse or to your health, which causes me so much anxiety: but as 
I cannot refrain from thinking of all this, I find it dillicult not to speak of 
it, so that I feel in no mood for writing to you aught that is interesting. 

"Yesterday I received a letter from Capt. Phelps, dated on the 5th and 
written from some town in Pennsylvania not very far from here. It was 
short and marked with so much restraint and reserve that it really gave 
me pain, lie did not say a ivonl about the Court or about himself, lie 
tells me that he had received a letter from me, together with one I had 
addressed to Father Olivier, which had reached Fort Brown only after he 
had left there, lie speaks much more than usual of Marie, and with the 
request to be remembered to you and to your family, begs me to say to 
you that you must not physic Marie too much. 

" 'Phis morning Cassin paid me a visit. He said that the Court-Martial 
of the Major still dragged along when he left Fort Brown on the 11th 
December : and the officers composing it had already had their fill of it. 

" Thursday, January 8. — I did hope, my dearly loved wife, to receive a 
letter from you to-day, and 1 keenly felt the disappointment. We are in 
the bad season and will therefore often be subjected to these disappoint- 
ments and annoyances, incident to the failure of the Mails. Bear this in 
mind, darling, and do not attribute these delays to any sickness of mine. 
I am, thanks be to God, in perfect health. I have gained flesh and have 
lost the sallow expression 1 acquired in Texas ; 1 may almost say that I 
have grown ruddy. 1 sleep like a log and eat like a wolf. My cold bath 
and daily exercise have changed me into a diS"erent person. Nor must 



272 BIOGRAPHY OF 

you worry about luy comfort. I liave one of the best rooms in the house, 
just above the one I had at this time last year and facing the sunny side. 
It is warm, spacious, and well lit. I have more coverlids than I need, and 
am therefore never cold at niglit ; but on the contrary often am too warm. 
The table is excellent. Every day Ave have roast fowl, and turkey at least 
five times a week. Besides, we have regularly three or four other plates 
of meat ; in a word, the fare is abundant and altogether select. 

"I begin to breathe more freely about my work, in which, since my re- 
turn, I have been over head and oars plunged. 

"I have been, my dear, very desirous of writing to your Parents, but 
cannot find time to do so. 

'• Dear, dear Mariquitta. how my heart overflows with love for you ! 
How I languish when away from you ! AVhat would I not give again to 
see your dear face, again to clasp Avithin my arms your form which I think 
to be so graceful, and which I love so much ! Unceasingly, my darling, 
are you before my eyes and present to my thoughts ! I find it very hard 
to be separated from you, and that it is impossible for me to be happy 
without you. Ah! dearest, you cannot imagine Avhat a great love I bear 
you. I beseech you, do take care of yourself, if only on my account. 
Only think of the sufiering you cause me by sacrificing yourself as you 
do ; and if vou wish no lonirer to grieve me, cease to weiiih a few wretched 
Dollars in the scales with that health which is my most precious treasure. 
I assure you, that we would not ruin ourselves even if we engaged the 
costliest of nurses. Even should Congress reject the increase of our pay, 
we could still meet this expense ; but there is a very strong probability that 
this act of justice will be accorded to us. The number of valuable officers 
who, during the past year, have sent in their resignations has attracted 
general attention. The papers have spoken of it, especially those of Wash- 
ington : and all agree in attributing the cause to the insufficiency of our 
pay. Gen. Quitman, on introducing the Bill in the House, used this strong 
language, ' that it was a measure to keep the officers of the Army from 
starving.' 

"Hence, dear Mariquitta, set aside your economical ideas, which are in 
the present instance very much out of place, in a question so important 
as that of your health, — a health so necessary and so precious to your 
children, and still more so to their Father. 

" My old friend and comrade, Major Garnett,* to whom I introduced 
you at Cairo last year, was here this morning ; and in the course of our 
conversation, enquiring how you Avere, repeated to me Avhat he had then 
told me, that you Avei'e the living image of Mile. Rachel, — that he had 
never seen a more striking resemblance. I am at a loss to express to you 
how much this compliment pleased me : for Rachel is said to be one of the 

* A classmate at West Point. In 1861, he resigned his commission and 
went South and was killed in one of the Battles — Carrick's Ford, ^'a. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 273 

most beautiful of women, especially when seen, as he saw her, upon the 
stage. 

'• I am sorry to hear of your Father's sadness, but I feel sure that he 
would feel even more gloomy, if he should leave St. Louis to establish 
himself in France, lie would make your Mother perfectly unhappy by 
her separation from three of her daughters. Octavie, too, would go most 
reluctantly, and your Father would likewise regret his children. Nor is 
this all ; setting aside the prophecy of Orval, every thing certainly proves 
that Europe, and especially France, within three years will be upturned 
by a horrible Revolution, more consonant with Hell than with mankind. 
I should, therefore, deeply regret to see your Father leave. As for the 
United States, I know not where he could locate to escape the cold, and 
yet not be sorry to have left' St. Louis. New Orleans and the Southern 
Cities are out of the question ; part of the family have already ti'ied this 
and were forced to fly from the Yellow Fever. In the interior, and here 
on the Coast, one always experiences cold. The other Cities of the South 
are subject to the same scourge as New Orleans. Here, at Washington, 
the Winters are milder than in St. Louis, but then there is no French 
circle of Society as there, and your Father having no occupation, would 
be unable to imagine how much this want of Society would affect him. 
Even my Father, raised in this country and speaking English perfectly, 
sighed for it. And so too Mr. Bernoudy at Louisville. In the interior of 
Louisiana, and where the Yellow Fever is never seen, there are superb 
lands to be had at very low prices, where he could settle himself in the 
midst of a French speaking Creole population. But your Father is too 
old to think of creating a new home, and yet this is what he would there 
have to do, I do not see, therefore, where else than at St. Louis he could 
locate. One must be patient. Last AVinter, in the severity of its cold, 
surpassed every other during the last forty years : soon the Winters will 
begin to grow milder, let your Father then have patience. 

" Adieu, my darling, embrace very affectionately for me all of the family. 
Give a thousand kisses and say a thousand tender things to my dearly 
loved Marie, to my little Na, and our dear baby. I press you, my dear 
wife, to my heart and send you a thousand sweet kisses. 

" Your Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, January 11, 1857. 
" Again, I must digest the same disappointment. These days pass 
away, my darling Mariquitta, without the letter I had hoped to receive 
from you. It is already more than a week since 1 heard from you. Your 
last letter was dated the 2yth December, and yet here are we already well 
advanced in January. But though this delay be painful to me, it excites 
no apprehension ; for I remember that we are in Winter, and that for some 
time past the Mails have been subjected to delays, and that heavy recent 
snows and the severe cold have thrown fresh obstacles in the way of the Post. 

18 



•_)74 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Hence, 1 aui not at all surprised tliat we shonUl bo several days without 
letters from 8t. Louis. Several times -already has it happened to me to Hnd 
myself, as now, for fourteen days without a letter, and yet almost invariably 
lias it htippened that later its explanation was in the delay of the Mails. 

•'I thank you for having told nie of all the presents given to our dear 
children and to yourself, mj' own dear wife. And I am nnu-h pleased 
with your Sisters' gift to you, which you need so greatly, namely, a pretty 
silk dress. If Congress should pass our 'Bill,' I too would contribute to 
your crying necessity, of a renewal of your poor wardrobe. I can now 
tell you of only rays of hope concerning this measure, so very desirable 
to us. A few days ago General Quitman (Chairman of the Military 
Committee of the House) sought to set aside the regular order of Bills, 
which had precedence over it. to reach an immodi;ito vote ujion our own. 
To efl'oct this an unanimous vote was necessary, which he did not obtain. 
But, as it seems, a great niajorify voted in its favor, and as simply a 
mqjoriti/ suffices for its passage, this is regarded as a good augury for its 
success when it is reached in its regular order. The universal opinion 
here is, that it will pass the House before their adjournment. And as for 
the Senate, there has never been a doubt but that there it would be sus- 
tained almost unanimously. Tlien it comes to the President, who will 
undoubtedly approve of it, as for two years past he has himself in his 
messages recommended it to Congress. "With this explanation,/darling, 
you are as thoroughly posted as myself regarding its status ; and, as you 
may perceive, you were led into error by the statement that it had already 
passed. According to all human appearances, — which 1 admit to be often 
very deceptive, but which nevertheless are the only l)asis on which we can 
build our expectations. — we may count with certainty- that before the -Ith 
of March we will be allowed an inci-ease of pa}'. 

"The weather is so maguiticent: cold, yet dry and invigorating, that I 
have just returned from a walk beyond the suburbs. Your image, my 
darling, accompanied me, and indeed very rarely does it desert me, save 
wiien I am in a mental abyss of papers and figures, for which, however, 
as I can assure you, yon need not feel the slightest jealousy. I seem very 
often to see you, living before nxy eyes. I see you walking in that woody 
promenade tiirough the woods at Fort Brown, for it is always there, or at 
Point Isabel, that my love locates you : — your society and the pleasure j'ou 
gave to me, while I dwelt in those two places, have forever consecrated 
them in my memory. Often, dear Mari((uitta, do I dwell on those two 
scenes and particularly on the occasion of those two first visits I paid you 
from Las Aniunis. wlion beautiful by your plumpness and health 1 felt so 
proud of yon. Ah ! wiiat would 1 not give then to seize you in my eager 
arms and cover you with kisses ! At other timeS, I picture you receiving 
me at Point Isabel, on my return from the office, dressed in my little blue 
vest, and my little cap of black cloth, and so gay, so unruly, so deliciously 
pretty, that 1 cannot withhold a sigh that you will no longer allow yourself 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 275 

to look well, will no longer take care of your health, tha.t you no longer 
care enough for me to look pretty ! Again, my fancy loves to recall that 
day, — do you remember it? When for a moment I had returned to the 
house, and you would not allow me to return to the office : when throwing 
yourself upon me, you seized my hat and tossed it to the other extremity 
of the room and clasping me within your arms, clinging to me, you 
obliged me to take a seat upon the sofix beside you : for weak through the 
force of laughter and amusement, I had no longer the strength to resist 
you and vainl}'^ struggled within your embrace. Ah I these are indeed 
delicious memories ! You did not suspect that I so preciously preserved 
them, you naughty one, who are continually pi-etending that you doubt 
my love! There is many another besides these, of which I have never 
spoken to you. They are, when I am away from you, my very sweet 
treasure, my support and my only happiness. 

"Adieu, my darling. Embrace affectionately for me all the family. 
Caress for their dear Papa our darling children : say to them all sorts of 
tender expressions, with which your heart overflows in their regard. For 
yourself, accept a thousand sweet caresses and a thousand tender kisses 
from 

" Your Jui;ES.'' 



276 BIOGRAPHV OF 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Happiness Mariquitta's letter has just given him — advises her to read 
'• All for Jesus' — is sorry that her father received no Christmas present 
and advises her to induce her sisters to co-operate with her in giving him 
a nice pair of furs — joy at her consent to procure a nurse for Louis — Col. 
Cooper's pleasure at his report — attends several dancing soirees — his love 
for Catholic reunions like the Lays' — detestable ink she uses — misses 
intensely his little boy — his special fondness for his babies — her uncle 
Callard and Cousin David — diplomacy she must practice about the gift 
to her father — intense severity of Winter — Col. Freeman's perfect aston- 
ishment and exclamation — enormous press of work at the Office — point 
of honor with the President and his Cabinet — great snow storm — fondness 
for his position and confident it is what is best suited for him — Col. 
Cooper's satisfaction with him as also that of the Secretary of "War — his 
pleasure in completing a certain important Work and the aid he received 
therein from his friends in Heaven — his passionate love for Mariquitta 
and the great sacrifice of his Algerian expedition for her sake — abscess 
of Marie and his hopes thereof — the good and pleasure Mariquitta's recent 
letters have given him — her father's great suficring from the intense cold 
not surprising — his horror of the assassination of the Archbishop of Paris 
at the Altar — his gratitude to Jier mother for all her love and devotion to 
herself and their children — situation of the Army Bill — Capt. Phelps not 
angry — pride in his little girls and boy — hopes his wife does not sutler 
from the severity of the Winter — his painful longing for her — his sources 
of consolation so few and so ditferent to other men's. 

Julius to Mariquilla. 

''Washington, Wednesday, January 14. 1S57. 
" My own darling, you nuvde me very happy by your letter of tlie 2nd 
and 5th: it was so afi'ectionate. so long, so full of details, that are to me 
so interesting. Your account of Marie's healtli also tills me with hope. 
I myself had thought that her recovery would be eflected by an abscess or 
something of the kind. Very surely, all of the physicians concur in say- 
ing, that so long as she sleeps well, eats well and does not seem to sutl'er, 
there is no reason to despair of her cure. Let us then be very good, very 
faithful to our dutie;*, think often of God. and constantly make acts of His 
presence and, especially, let us perform the devotion 1 recommended to 
you, in order that we may learn the better to love and to serve Ilim. lie 
will then have less hesitation in committing to us the care of our dear 
child's soul. I wish that you could read a pious English work just pub- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 277 

lished, ' All for Jesus.' It is so fine, so enticing, that it could not fail to 
improve you. T have recently derived great benefit from its perusal. 
AYithout a doubt, if 3'ou asked Robert, he could borrow a copy of it for 
3'ou, either from the College or the Cathedral. I would be very glad if 
you could read a few pages every day. As I have already told you, do not 
overwhelm yourself with prayers. We are but too apt to think that we 
must recite a multitude of prayers, which we are but too apt to recite 
negligently, and hence derive no advantage from them. I believe that 
nothing increases piety more within our hearts than often, very often, as 
often as possible during the day, to turn our hearts to God. Not simply 
the mind, by words, by ejaculations, which are undoubtedlj'' good, l)ut 
which we too often, as in the case of our prayers, repeat with but little 
attention : but the very heart itself, by acts of interior love, of gratitude, 
of pity for the sufferings of our Saviour, of sympathy with His heart — so 
wounded by mankind — so afflicted by their ingratitude. The book I have 
recommended to you will teach you all this. Buy it, for I, indeed, would 
like to possess a copy. 

" My dear little darling, I thank you for the full account of all of the 
gifts which have been exchanged between yourselves ; the perusal gave me 
so much pleasure. I also thank you, my ' sweet,' for having gratified me by 
the purchase of the little veil you desired. I am so pleased that you allowed 
yourself this small gratification. I hope that Congress will not refuse us 
the increase of our pay, that I may have the pleasure of renewing your 
wardrobe. I was grieved that in all this your Father received no present, 
but we will remedy it. You say that the furs you gave to the Doctor cost 
$5. Now, invite the aid of all your Sisters to the extent of 25 cents apiece, 
no more, and then adding to it five or six dollars of your own (but mind, not 
less than five dollars) buy for him a good, warm, and pretty pair. Do this 
at once, that he may enjoy them before the end of Frost. You will, my 
dear Mariquitta, confer on me a real pleasure by doing this immediately. 

" I cannot understand how you manage to have a balance of $42 on hand 
at the end of December. Certainly I expected nothing of the kind and I 
envy, my dear, your economy, for proportionately I spend a great deal 
more. I am rejoiced that at last you have freely consented to procure a 
nurse, and I hope that at this very moment you are in the possession of an 
excellent one. Yet, to be candid, I doubt it. I do not think it possible to 
obtain a good one, Avho would go to the country, for less than $20 or even 
$30 per month. And I wish you to have « (/ood one, whatever be the cost. 
Dear little wife, you strive too much to economize in matters where none 
is to be exercised. And you give me pain in appearing to fear that I will 
scold you for your expenses. Have I ever yet done so ? It has indeed 
been an age since 1 have done so ! I must, moreover, tell you that I am 
distressed to think of your intention of sending Lucy away : and I do hope 
that my letter, in which I begged of you not to think of such a thing, will 
have reached you in time to prevent it. 



278 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" I had quite a pleasure this morning at my Office. I had drawn up a 
report of no mean importance and thouglit I had very well succeeded with 
it : yet I feared that the Colonel miglit not approve of it. Nevertheless, he 
did seem to be very much pleased, and then read to me one of his own, as 
if to obtain my views in regard to it. He is always very amiable in my 
regard. 

" Last night I attended a dancing soir6e at the Lays, and I even danced 
once and altogether had a very pleasant time. 'L'o-nigiit, I go to another, 
given by an Officer; and to-morrow night, to a ball given by Col. Free- 
man. I must confess that I go to these last two as I would take a dose of 
medicine. IJut I love reunions like those of the Lays, where I met only 
good Catholics, wiioiii I knew, and where every thing passed off without 
ceremony. Tlicrc is hero a small Catholic coterie, which is very agreeaVjle, 
and in which I must tell you there is a lively desire to make your 
acquaintance. 

" Thursda;/, the I5t.h.—l hope that my sweet little Na did not have long 
to wait for her ' tiny letter.' For I sent it to you but two or three days 
after I sent you those for her and my dearly loved Marie. 

"What detestable ink you use! It blackens my hands and soils every 
thing which it touches. It sticks so to the envelope that it is difficult to 
extract the letter. May not Miss Tavie by chance be amusing herself by 
putting sugar in the inkstand ? 

"You will not believe how much T miss my little boy. I have always 
had a special fondness for my babies. They are so pretty, those pure little 
souls, so self-willed, and yet to me their lives seem so angelical. I con- 
fess that, when you repeat to me our boy is so sweet, I feel such a desire 
to hold him in my arms, to caress him, and to play with him. And it does 
me good, to see how much you love him, how charming you find him. 
Your last letter was to me of real utility, it somewhat allayed my fears in 
respect to yourself and my dear Marie, and gave me real pleasure by the 
perusal of the interesting details with which it was replete. 

" Ask of your Mother, when she will write to them, very affectionately 
to thank your uncle Callard for his invitation, also David for the greeting 
he was preparing for me, and esjyecidlli/ for his intention of accompanying 
me to Africa. They must already be informed that I have abandoned )ny 
expedition. But I wish that David should know that I was greatly de- 
lighted to think of him as a companion, at the same time that he would 
have been to me of great advantage. 

" Upon reflection, to avoid the semblance that the gift be only your own, 
I think it best to pursue tiio following course. Give in my behalf to eadi 
of your sisters $2, telling them that I desired also to make them a small 
Christmas gift. And then, as if a sudden thought of yours, propose to 
them on the following day to Imy these furs for your Father, who had 
received no Christmas gift. Then, even should you contribute no more 
than they, there would be still enough to buy a handsome set. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS F. GARESCHE. 279 

" Embrace all the family very affectionately for me, my darling wife ; 

give a thousand fond caresses to our dear, dear children, ami receive a 

thousand sweet kisses from your 

"Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" AVasiiington, Sunday, January 18th, 1857. 

" The river here is frozen to the depth of a foot, a most rare circum- 
stance and one which, excepting last year, has not happened for a long 
while. I have not found the Winter so severe. But Washington has a 
climate of mild temperature, and from what I am told by the citizens and 
read in the papers, I am inclined to think that this has been a severe 
Winter. That of last year was in every respect extraordinary. Your 
Father, therefore, has reason to complain of the cold, but not sufficient 
cause to blame it upon the country. If he will only be patient, there is 
no doubt but that the Winters will soon resume their ordinary temperature. 

"While I am writing, it is snowing heavily, a real tempest, and I am 
distressed to think that the Roads will be blocked and communication im- 
peded, and that we will thus be compelled to wait much longer than usual 
for each other's letters. 

" You no longer mention your nights, my dear wife. How do you 
spend them? Are you ever obliged to get up in the cold? Are you able 
to keep up the fire in your stove? And does it warm your room thor- 
oughly during the day? Do write to me on this subject. 

" During the past week I went to two balls and a dancing soiree. Y'^ou 
see I am becoming dissipated. And really were 1 not so blind, but cuuld 
only distinguish and recognize the ladies, I feel that I could greatly amuse 
myself. The last I attended was at Colonel Freeman's. He was perfectly 
astonished to see me arrive, and two or three times exclaimed, ' Well ! this 
is something truly complimentary !' I went only in acknowledgment of the 
civilities the Freemans had shown me and intended in a quarter of an hour 
to make my escape. But every thing was so ))eautiful and so glittering, 
the music so enchanting, the ladies so superbly di'essed, that 1 would 
willingly have remained the whole evening and, as it was, spent two hours. 

" I am occupied as much as ever. 1 had hoped that when I had finished 
the compilation of the Army Register for this year, I would have a little 
respite. But not at all. Not only is Congress in session, which always 
involves a very great increase of labor, but the present Administration is 
drawing to a close. And, as it is a point of honor with the President and 
his Secretaries to leave behind them, if possible, no unfinished work, we 
must necessarily share in the extraordinary activity which, at this moment. 
exists in allthe Government Bureaux. 

" Embrace all the family affectionately for me, my darling. Fondly 
caress our dear children, and tell them a thousand tender things in my 
behalf. 1 embrace you and clasp you tenderly to my heart. 

" Your Jules." 



280 BIOOHArifV OF 

Julius lo M<irit/uilta, 

" WAHiiiNfJTON, Tuomlay, Juiiuary 20, 1857. 

" Ah I fciu'od, my doar wife, all coniiiiiiiiittation Ih cut off, and wo inuHt 
wait a Ion;; wliiio ItoTDro wo liavo tidin/^H of ancAi otlior. 1 hIiouIiI liavo 
rocoivoil a li^ltm* I'roiii ycjii yowtorday or to-day, Cor your last oiio waw aH 
loii^ ago aH tlio 7tli iriHt. liut now I may not <!Xpoct to liear from you for 
two or tlireo daya. I 1i<)|m!, at loast, tluit thiH dolay of tlio Mails will cause 
you no aiixioty. 

" It \h a regular whirlwind of huow whiidi wo liavo had, and yostorday 
niornirig it was almost inipossihlo to throail ono's way through tho strt'CtH, 
oithor in vohi(!loH or afoot. TIm! snow drifts in many places were as deep 
as tlir(M! or four foot u|)on the sidowalks. 

" I havo nothing ninv or intorcsting to say to you. I am \r.vy woll, and 
still am HO occupiod, that I have not tho oiianoi- to fo(d very sad. JJosidcs, 
I feel myHolf so strongthonod from ahovc; that 1 onduro our separation 
mu(di Itottor than I darod to iiii|.c. I continue very fond of my position 
and of tiio diitioH portaining to it. 'i'ho nioro I romain the moro 1 feci that 
it is just winit host suitiul nm, just what i needed ; and if there wore any 
metiiod wiior(d)y I eould make; myself noted and distinguish(Ml it is in tlie 
very poHition I oecnipy. All vanity aside (lor 1 know full well that (Jod 
aids and Htrengthens me, and that I owe to him every thing) 1 think that 
this, in a measure. I have already olitainod. I fam-y that I have already 
ma<h! ;[ great inroail into tho good gi-a(!es of (Jul. (!ooper, and a little into 
that of the Secretary. I r(>gret that the latti-r will soon retire. But he 
will Ciller tli(! Senair, to heoonio tlmre very prohahly tho ('hairman of the 
(!ommittce on Military A Hairs, wliiidi would cause his ndations with the 
Army, and tho interests of which lu; has so much advanced, not to he 
entirely broken off. 

"This morning I coinplotod a work, in the execution of which it neemed 
to me that the nid I rocoivnd from my good friends in Ilcavon was pal- 
|tal)le. It was an opinidit of the If. S. Attorney rionoral, upon a Military 
liaw passed last year, which (-ol. (yOop(!r gave to me the* other day, pray- 
ing mo to read it attentively and, if possible, to unravel its meaning which 
ho himself, as he said, was unable to do. I took it, studied it, discovered 
in it a grav(! error and two or threo omissions scarcely h^ss serious, which, 
in my opinion, so vitiated it as to render it of no value. Noting these 
errors, I wrote a criticism of the argument, which to-day, just as ho was 
leaving his ollice. 1 handed to Col. Cooper. Of course, I (hi not know how 
h(( will ap|(r(M!iate it, but before \m\ left, pointing out one of the errors, 
whi(rh could not bo denied, 1 noticcul that his eyes gleamed somewhat in 
triumph. If, therefore, 1 havo correctly argu(!d, tho all'air must redound 
to my Ininor. And even if the Attorney Cleneral should feel wounded by 
it, it would trouble me but little, for ho onco played nu^ an ugly trick in 
Mexico, and hcnt;e deserved to reiM'ive at my Imnds this retaliation. For, 
during tin; War, he was a brigade Commander, and having received aji 



LIEUT. VOL. JULIUS I'. (iAUKHCllk. 281 

order to join General Scott upon tin; grand lino of operationH, asked mo to 
accompany liim, (I (supposed uh Imh Adjutant fJoncral). F accepted on the 
spot, only too liappy to exchange our line, where it might he said that 
I'eace reigned, for one where they were still fiercely fighting. Well ! dar- 
ling, would you believe it, without a whisper to me of his intention, with- 
out riven a lirief note, to tell me he had changed his mind, or to (jxcuse 
himself, he left, taking another officer with him ! You can understand, 
that if really I liave gained over a statesman, and over a lawyer of his 
distinction, such a victory, as f think that I have, f would have every 
possible reason to derive from it very great satisfaction. 

^'' Wednexdoi/, Janvfiiy 2\. — 'Yesterdjiy we received two Mails from St. 
Louis, one of which was due since last Saturday. And thus I received, 
my darling, together yf)ur two letters of the lOth and I'ith inst. You tell 
me, my Mari()uitta, that by my letter of the Ist I greatly pained you. I 
assure you that \ sincerely regret it, for already T had reproached myself 
for it, and still rej)roach myself. The pain I may have given to you by my 
letters on this subjcfct is absolutely noUdiuf as compared with what I suf- 
fered. Forgive me then, my dearly loved one ; if I loved you less, I could 
lie indifferent. I thank you with all my heart that you yourself took my 
|nirt, and attributed my fit of anger to its nsal cause, and hence excused it. 
f love you so passionately, my dear little Mariquitta, that you must pardon 
the unreasonableness of my love. 

" As for the African expedition, I thank you, my darling, for the permis- 
sion you give me ; and, very certainly, 1 will do all that you ask of m's, if 
I '■hould be able to go. IJut the sacrifice of it is not ' beyond my strength,' 
and I have entirely abandoned it. If God permits me, I will go on for 
you, just as soon as the health of our dear little Marie will permit her to 
travel ; and when I will have rejoined you, I will devote myself entirely 
to you and seek to i-ender you as hap[)y and as comfortable as possible. 

"You give me some hope in respect to our poor dear child. Kiss and 
caress her for nu-, as also my sweet little Na. Say to them, for m<f, a 
thousand tender things. Affectionately embrace all of the family. By 
little gifts to your Father from time to time, try to show him that you suf- 
fer in seeing how much loss of sleep your children occasion liini, which 
you would so much like to avoid. If you cannot, as I proposed, arrange 
it with your Sistfirs, then do you yourself buy for him the furs I mentioned 
to you. Do not restrict yourself so much, dearest; every person still 
assures me, that our increase of pay will certainly be accorded to us. 

•'Again, my dear little wife, permit me to ask your pardon for all the 
pain I have given you in this matter of a nurse. 1 will strive my utmost 
never again to allude to it. You must, after all, read in it a proof of my 
afl'ection. Say to me then, dear little Marifjuitta, that you bear me no 
resentment. Give me, tlierefore, a sweet kiss and receive in return a mil- 
lion from me. Good-bye, my loved one, I clasp you tenderly to my lieart. 

" Your Jules." 



282 BIOGRAPJir OF 

Jaliua to Mariqiiiila. 

"Washington, Friday, January 23, 1857. 

" I was engaged in reading, my Muriquitta, wlien your image appeared 
to me, so sweet, so full of charm, that I fell into a delicious reverie, full of 
yourself, and cnibalmod in a i)erfunie of intoxicating love. My dear wife, 
how much 1 do love you, and what an immense void does your absence 
create in my existence! Ah! if yciu could but read my heart! If, for- 
sooth, you could have assisted at all the pathetic thoughts, the sweet emo- 
tions whicii have just chased each other successively tliore, you could not 
have avoided being moved, flattered, and contented tiiereby, and led to 
love with all your heart a man wlio so dearly loves you. And you will 
also willingly pardon the flights of my love, which lately have given you 
so much pain ! 1 do assure you that 1 am very repentant, to have caused 
you trouble on account of those miserable! nurses, and I will do my utmost 
never again to relapse into my fault. The sweetness, with which you bore 
it, and which led you yourself to find excuses for me, in attributing my 
perversity to its real motive, most keenly affected me and produced a gi-eat 
effect. You will, dear, dear Mariquitta, not again have reason to complain 
of my fits of anger, and of my unjust reproaches. 

" Suadai/, January 25. — Yesterday, my darling, I received your two 
letters of the 16th, and I8th, together with that of your Mother of the lat- 
ter date, and 1 cannot express to you the good they did me. Dear, dear 
little Marie, and caii it bo that God intends to cure our Angel! You 
lead me to hope so. What a happiness I Let us continue then to pray, 
and, especially, to merit such a favor by making real progress in perfec- 
tion, in order to become more agreeable in the sight of God — so good, and 
so merciful. Kvery thing in that abscess, from its bt^ginniiig to its open- 
ing, seems to me clothed with such insignificance, hence indicative of a 
supernatural interposition. Therefore, I think that we have every reason 
not to despair. And I entirely concur in the opinion, expressed by your 
Mother and yourself, that happen what may, we will have a thousand rea- 
sons to bless God and His iloly Mother, that our child has suffered so 
little through this long sickness. Even though our prayers have obtained 
no more than this, it would still remain a great favor, a most signal benefit, 
and one which deserves that we should now exhaust ourselves in thanks- 
giving. I feel light and gay of heart : for the moment, every thing looks 
rose-colored, and 1 am contented with every thing which I see happening 
to me. 

" In the first place, you delighted me by telling me how much my letter 
of the 7th and Sth pleased you. Then again, you seemed to be gayer ; 
you promised me, for my sake, to take care of your health, and to please 
me by becoming again youthful and pretty ; and you do not know what 
value J attach to these promises and how grateful I shall be for their ful- 
filment. Then, too, the prospects for the jtassage of tlie 'Bill' relative to 
the increase of our Pay, brighten from day today. Moreover, I am more 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 283 

than ever pleased with my place and my future. One or two reports I 
have recently prepared and my refutation of the argument of the ' Attorney 
General' of the U. S. , are calculated to distinguish me, and in them I read 
pi'oof that at last I have found my vocation, my true career, and may God 
aid me to pursue it in an honorable and striking manner. 

"To conclude, all that you tell me about my children tends to make me 
happy. Their good health, their discretion, their tender solicitude for our 
dear little loved one ; the affectionate vivacity of Na ; the goodness, the 
beauty, and all that you perceive so sweet in our dear little Louis, charm 
and greatly rejoice my heart. May God aid you to bring them up in piety, 
and in a holy fear, a sweet love for Ilim ! You do not, I am sure, my Mari- 
quitta, neglect to tune their little hearts to Ilim, by often speaking to them 
of Ilim, by inspiring them with a gratitude, mingled with fear and affec- 
tion, for His benefits, and in sowing in their hearts the seeds of a touching 
piety ! I am glad to hear that Louis is entering upon good habits, and I 
hope that you will not let him lose them. 

" I am not surprised that your Father should suffer so much from the 
cold. There is not a doubt that this Winter is more severe than the terri- 
ble one of last year. I have not suffered from it, but for a while past I 
have thought it colder than that of last year, although I was unwilling to 
acknowledge it. But now it is an assured fact. Last Sunday, the ISth, 
you tell me that the thermometer at St. Louis stood at 24° ; last Winter I 
think from 18° to 20° was the lowest limit it reached there. On this same 
Sunday, we had here and throughout the East that terrilde tempest of 
snow. That same day the cold in the Nortliern part of New York was 
30°, 36°, and at some places even 40°. But last AV^inter, the severest cold 
experienced was upon the exposed plains of iVebi'aska, and yet it did not 
exceed 34°. You see then, this Winter very much exceeds the extraordinary- 
one of 1S55-56. But such Winters are exceptional and must be rare. 
Your Father must therefore resign himself. At all events, better even 
such Winters than the Revolution and the horrible scenes which are beset- 
ting France. 

"I would like to see your uncle Callard return: and as for David, I 
tremble. 

" The abominable crime of the assassination of the Archbishop of Paris 
at the Altar, and by a priest, is one of those phenomenal crimes which are 
always the prelude to great social upheavals, the grand outbursts of the 
anger of God, — the precursors of tlie storm, — the signs in Egypt. I see 
by the public papers that this odious crime has produced in France a deep 
and painful expression, a fearful suspense ; for it appears that there it is 
regarded as I do. May these expectations be disappointed, though I dare 
not hope so ! 

" Tell your Mother, that from the bottom of my heart I thank her for 
all her tender care, her affection, her goodness toward you and my chil- 
dren, and that I shall try very soon to answer her affectionate letter. 1 




284 BIOGRAPHY OF 

begin to see a break in my work, of which 1 will certtiinly take advantage, 
in order to write to her, your Father, and Nancy. 1 tiiink her idea now 
of bei^inning a Novona in honor of St. Joseph most excellent, and I hope 
that yon will carrj' it into execution : and I beg of you to advise me of its 
l)eginning, in time to permit me to join in it, as also to obtain the aid of 
some pious prayers. 

" Very affectionately embrace all tlie family for me; fondly hug our 
dear children, saying to them a thousand sweet things in my behalf; and 
receive for yourself, my darling sweet little wife, a thousand sweet and 

loving kisses from your 

"Jules." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 
"Washington, Tuesday, January 27, 1857. 

"Our Bill for increase of Pay has, my darling, passed the House by a 
very large majority — 130 votes against 62. The greatest peril has been 
overcome, for it was the action of the House which we most dreaded, as it 
has always proved to be hostile to this measure of Justice. But while the 
prospect thus becomes venj much brighter, 1 do not yet feel like indulging 
in Hope. The Senate, without a doubt, is favorable to us; but, it is said, 
that instead of having there adopted the same measure, the Chairman of 
its Military Committee loaded it down with other measures, which maj'^ 
entirely defeat it. For if the Senate should pass the Bill thus amended, it 
must go back to the House thus changed, to be subjected there to another 
vote. Thus it may share the fate of many another measure, which is 
defeated through the differences of the two Houses. Then, there remains 
the President, who is very greatly favorable to us ; but at times he is very 
scrupulous, and 1 do not know that he has ever declared himself in favor 
of .so great an increase as has been adopted by the House. J think it my 
duty thus to portray to you the real situation of the Bill, so that you may 
understand why I still doul)t of our good fortune. But, though thus ex- 
plicit, T must say that since the vote of yesterday no one seems any longer 
to doubt of its passage. 

" To answer one of your questions I am quite sure, my darling, that 
Capt. Phelps is not angry with us. For. even in the letter of whose brev- 
ity I complained, he asked of me a slight service, and, if he had been dis- 
pleased with us, he very certainly^yould not have done so. Just the reverse, 
particularly in regard to you and to Marie, was his tone very amicable. 

"Without tiring I read and re-read your two letters of the 16th and 
ISth, whose receipt I have already acknowledged. They inspire me with 
fresh hope for my dear little Marie, besides being otherwise very intei-est- 
ing. The sweetness, the tenderness, the subiuissive and affectionate 
disposition of that dear child, render me not only very happy but also very 
gi'ateful to God who has deigned to give us so great a treasure. I am 
((uite pleased that our ' sweet ' little Na is growing so much more reason- 
able, and that both of my little girls have improved so greatly in their 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 285 

French. Dear children, how tenderly I do love them ! How proud I am 
of lay little girls ! And my dear little Louis also, you cannot imagine 
how agreea])le it is to hear you repeat that he is charming and pretty, or 
how 1 deliglit to see you so tenderly attached to him ! Your two last letters 
did me an immense amount of good, my dear little wife, by their tone of 
courage, hope, and peace of mind, of which it is so long since you have 
given me any proof. Your melancholy oppressed me and deepened my 
own. So too, the better disposition you now have reacts on my own. 

" I hope that the storm of the 18th did not cause you to wait too long 
for a letter from mo. It raged along our Coast. We were longer without 
Mails from New York than from St. Louh-, and our communications with 
the fnrnier are even as yet scarcely regulated. Every day we receive in- 
formation, which indicates that this Winter exceeds in its severity even 
that of last year. Yesterday, I read that in a certain locality of Vermont 
the mercury of the thermometers froze, and it was thought that the cold 
there must have reached the intensity of 50° ftcZo?f zero ! Tt must have 
been at least 40°, to have frozen the mercury. 

" Thursday, .January 29. — I have nothing new to tell you and I must, 
therefore, close my letter. The Senate has not as yet touched our Bill, 
and I do not know when they will consider it. 

" I hope, my dear wife, that you do not suffer much from the inclemency 
of the Winter. It has been, and continues to be, of a severity — the par- 
allel of which is almost unknown. The Bay of Norfolk, about 150 miles 
south of Washington, is frozen over to the depth of 8-10 inches, something 
till now unheard of. Throughout the whole South East, they are gather- 
ing a crop of ice. Here, the temperature has always been quite tolerable, 
although a little to the North of St. Louis it is from 6°-10° less cold than 
it is ordinarily with us. Hence, I regard the cold we have had here as 
unimportant ; I have not suffered from it, either this year or the last, either 
))y night or by day. 

" As live days have elapsed since my receipt of your last letter, I did 
have some expectations of another to-day, but 1 did not receive any. Still 
I am not in the least surprised, for we have had more snow, which must 
have necessarily created fresh obstacles for the trains. 

"I believe that the brunt of my winter's work is over. For two days 
past I have had a respite, and I see notjllng in view to overwork me. I 
made use of this leisure to answer some of the letters I have received since 
my return. I wrote to Nancy yesterday, and intend writing soon to your 
Father and Mother. 

" For a long time I have had no letter from Alexander, and I am some- 
what worried on his account, as he was then suffering. 

" Since I find myself less occupied I begin to pine for you, and I fear 
that my impatience again to see you, dear little wife, increasing from day 
to day, will l>ecome so great as to render my present situation intolerable. 
Have you ever thought of what you would suffer, if for a year you were 



wft 



28G RIOORAPHY OF 

forced to bo fur from me, your children, and all of j-our family? Imagine 
then what it must be for me I I do not deny that a woman so situated, 
might suffer more than a man ; but, on the other hand, I am certain that 
very few men under such circumstances would suffer as much as I do. 
For I do not possess a single one of those different sources of consolation 
which serve so many other men as a means of distracting their thoughts 
and making them forget their troubles. I do not smoke, I do not play 
either cards or billiards, I care nothing for the Chase, nor for Fishing, nor 
for the society of other men or for that of Ladies. There remains but one 
recreation, — reading. 

"But I must close, my darling. Affectionately embrace all the family 
for me. Caress most tenderly my dear little children, and receive for 
yourself, little Mariquitta, my sweet, a thousand tender and loving kisses 
from 

" Your Jules."' 



^ 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 287 



CHAPTER XXX. 

His worriment over his own expenses — his reproaches to himself — better to 
give Alms to God's poor than to fee physicians uselessly for Marie — ^joy 
Mariqiiitta's last letter gave him — Lieut. Saxton — Major Garnett and his 
young bride and his notice of Mariquitta's strong resemblance to the 
beautiful liacbel, and Julius' own regret, for this reason, not to have seen 
Kachel — Louis — hopes the Winter is about to end — again advises Mari- 
quitta to buy "All for Jesus" — his anticipated joy at soon being reunited 
to her and his children — his pleasure at the contents of her last letter- 
Sister Lucy's story — his regret that Mariquitta's mother anticipated them 
in the gift to her father — his Criticism on argument of the Attorney Gen- 
eral — bus found his truii vocation — Alexander's letter and its good news 
about her and Marie — his duty to submit to little disappointments — his 
father's Translation — begs her, for her own and Marie's good, occasion- 
ally to visit the City — imprudence in her father's wish to return to France 
and better for him to act upon his own fJulius') suggestion — his longing 
for her but pious resignation. 

Julius to MariffLiUa. 

"Washington, Sunday, February J.st, 1857. 
"Yesterday, my darling, I received your letter of the 21st and 23rd, 
which arrived just in time to enable me to commence with you the Novena 
in honor of St. Joseph. You may rest assured, that I will not neglect it. 
You must know that ever since we began the former Novena, our little 
Marie is prayed for regularly every week at the Arch-Confraternity estab- 
lished in the Jesuits' Chapel here, to which 1 have been for some time 
affiliated. I have a great mind again to ask of the Sisters of Charity to 
join us with their Orphans. I feel tempted, also, to ask the Jesuit Fathers 
to say some Masses for our intention ; but I hesitate, because, since my 
return, I have spent so much money, (nearly $70 in December, $63 in 
January, and $08 in November) that it worries me to keep on at this rate. 
At times, I reproach myself that thus far I have not laid by one cent for 
my children, not a single cent of my earnings; and that if I should die 
to-morrow, all that would remain to them, would be what my poor Father 
and my good Mother accumulated with such a struggle and by dint of so 
many deprivations. And I say to myself, that this should not be the case. 
Then again I say to myself, that it is not my fault, if hitlierto my Pay has 
been so very small ; that, after all, I have incurred no extravagance ; — and 
to come down to the real state of facts, apparently God wishes that, instead 
of our feeing physicians, we should give something to Ilis Poor ; — and, 



288 BIOGRAPHV OF 

after all, is it not better that it should be so? Do you not think so? And 
now that our I'ay is about to be increased and our expenses yet remain 
stationary, we may for the Future lay by something every month. Hence, 
I conclude upon reflection, to give what I have just mentioned. I hope, 
my dai'ling, that it will meet with your approval. 

" Your letter, dear Mariquitta, gave me real pleasure. It is such a con- 
solation to me, again to see you giving way to Hope, to feelings of gayety 
and courage, and to learn that of late your health shows signs of improve- 
ment. Then, too, you give me such encouraging news of my dear little 
Marie, and cause me so much pleasure, by saying that our little daughters, 
of their own volition, begin to speak French. You so sweetly make my 
heart thrill with all that you relate about my little Louis ; and, finally, I 
am so satisfied to learn of all the pleasure my late letters have given you. 

"Mr. Saxton, who always, whenever he meets me, so warmly enquires 
after you, begs to be kindly remembered. 

'' My friend, Major Garnett, the person who called upon us aboard the 
* Luther M. Kennett' at Cairo, is in town with his young bride, a pretty 
little woman. It is he, you may recollect, who recognized in you such a 
great resemblance to Rachel. The very first act of his, on meeting nie 
again, was to speak of this resemblance, which he thought so striking. 
And his little wife told me, that on his return to New York last Winter, 
he had mentioned it to her. This makes me regret still more, that I did 
not see Rachel, when she passed through this country. 

'• I am glad, my darling, to hear that you form Louis to good habits, 
that he learns to sit still and to amuse himself all alone. 1 learn, too, 
with pleasure, that you have begun to give him bread to eat, and I shall 
be well pleased to hear, also, that he can take a little soup and suck a 
morsel of meat. 

''To-day is a beautiful Spring day, but at the same time there is a 
feai'ful thaw. 

"On account of the Poor, of yourself, darling, and of your Father, who 
have all sufiered so much from it, 1 do hope with all my heart that the 
Winter is about to end, and a more pleasant season about to be inaugurated. 

" Have you yet, dearest, bought the book, ' All for Jesus,' which I so 
strongly recommended to you? If you have not, do so at once. It is the 
finest work of devotion I have ever read, and so Aiscinated am I by it, that 
I cannot be without it. Though I have already read the book once, I am 
again reading it, and with just as much pleasure; and had I not told you 
to buy it in St. Louis, I would certainly buy it here for myself. 

" Y'^our last letter completed tiie first volume of your letters that I have 
received since my return. I trust there will not be suilicient time to com- 
plete a second one, before I shall have rejoined you, my love, never again 
to be separated. 

" Ah ! dear little wife, what a happiness for me again to see you and our 
dear children ! I begin to grow too impatient for this reunion. You must. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 289 

therefore, show me a great, great deal of love, to repay me for all I have 
suffered by my absence from you. It is such a trial for one w^ho loves as 
I do, and who stands so much in need of affection, to live thus separated 
from every thing in the world that he loves most dearly. And but that 
we should always be content to do the Will of God and to suffer a little 
for His sake, I would not have the fortitude to endure such an existence. 

" Good-bye, my own sweet little Mariquitta. Embrace very affection- 
ately for me all the family. I will try soon to write to your Father and 
Mother. Tenderly caress our dear children for me, and receive for yourself, 

darling, a thousand kisses and endearments from 

" Your Jules." 

Julitis to Mariquitta. 

" Washington, Monday, February 2, 1857. 
"My dearly beloved, 

"As it is tnit two days since I received a letter from you, I could not 
expect another to-day, and yet I have received one, and oh ! what a good, 
good letter it is! Dear, dear Mariquitta, how much good you do mo and 
how happy you make me, when you give me such good news of yourself, 
of our dear Marie, and of our two other babes. The tone of gayety, of hope, 
of animation which pervades your letter so reacts upon me as to inspire me 
with the same dispositions. I am so happy to learn that our dear little 
Marie continues to iijiprove, and that you have secured a good nurse, as 
well as a good woman, who gives you so very little troul>le and so well 
suits you. I am unable to find words to express my delight at hearing 
that you feel so well, are growing fleshier, have a good appetite, and feel 
yourself so very much stronger. What you relate of Louis and Na adds 
to my pleasure. Dear little beings, how I love all three of them, how 
charming I find them ! And how ardently I love you too, Miss Mari- 
quitta! Even though the nurse be of no use to you at night, I will not, 
darling, scold you any more; I will be pained by it, but then I sec that 
you are disposed to do every thing that is reasonable. Hence, never mind 
what may happen, I promise you not again to trouble you on this subject. 
Yet you should not, in regard to the Past, forget that I was really, my dear 
Avife, very uneasy on your account; and I had good reason to be so, when 
you yourself told me that you felt worn out, were constantly suffering &c., 
and when your Mother wrote that your health was very delicate. 

"I have just returned from a visit to Sister Lucy, the Superioress of the 
Orpiian Asylum, to ask of her to continue the Orphans' prayers for our 
dear child, and to say that their prayers had availed much more tlian we 
had at first thought. I then recited to her the whole history of the abscess, 
etc. She said that it did not surprise her, that she had great confidence in 
Prayer, especially in that of children ; and that since she had seen me, a 
young lady from New York had called upon her. This young woman had 
a frightful cancer in the breast. The physicians had infoi-ined her that 
but a single chance remained to save her life — an operation. She trem- 
bled at the thought, and unable yet to decide, had wished first to visit her 

19 



290 BIOGRAPHY OF 

good friend, Sister Lucy, to obtain from her the necessary courage to yield. 
Sister Lucy told her, that for so slight a chance of cure, it really seemed 
too cruel to be subjected to such an operation ; still it was her duty to 
submit, since her physicians and family urged it. Tlie young girl there- 
upon returned to New York, resolved to yield. But, all of a sudden, the 
physicians announced to her that they had no hopes of success, even from 
the operation ; therefore, no longer to think of it, but to place all her trust 
in God. She then wrote to Sister Lucy, who answered that she would get 
her Orphans to pray for her. This she did, and but a short time ago she 
received a letter from her young friend (who is from lier description pretty 
as well as pious) announcing her perfect, jse^yec^ cure! 

" Tuesday, February ord. — Does not, my darling, what I iiave just re- 
lated to you fill you with hope? I feel my own heart grow full! 

'' So j)leased am I, my darling, with your letter, that I read and re-read 
it. It is so gratifying, to see you shake off your melancholy, to see you 
gay and animated, to know that you are gaining every day in strength 
and health ; and then, to have such good news of my children. I am so 
impatient to embrace my dear little Marie, to see my charming little Louis, 
and to tease my bright and engaging little Na ! The portrait you draw 
of her, trying to put your wardrobe in order (to your great dread), or 
sweeping your room, amused me very much. 

" I am sorry your Mother has anticipated us in the gift to your Father 
of the furs, of which I am certain he stood in great need. 

" Do you remember of my mentioning to you in one of my late letters a 
criticism I had made of an argument of the Attorney General of the United 
States? Well ! Colonel Cooper told me, day before yesterday, that he had 
read it to the Secretary; and the latter accepted it without reservation, 
and wanted at once to send it to the Attorney General. But Colonel 
Cooper opposed this, observing that it might cause the Attorney General 
too much mortification. I was, therefore, directed to write a letter, to be 
signed by the Secretary, in which the errors of the Attorney General 
should be in a delicate manner exposed. This I did to-day. 

"I love to relate to you this little triumph, which gave me a great deal 
of pleasure, not that I experienced from it any vanity ; for it was, in the 
first 2)lace, by a chance, purely Providential, tliat a person in the position 
of the Attorney General could have played into my hand by so gross an error ; 
and next, that I should have had the good fortune to discover this eri'or: 
— I recognize in the circumstance a palpable proof of the protection God 
wishes to afford me. But where I derive my greatest satisfaction, is from 
the thought, with which I am inspired, that I iiave at last found my true 
vocation, the position and the duties which suit me, and wherein God is 
the better disposed to aid me. This is all there is of it, for you must not 
imagine that such things will contribute to my advancement: — Oh! no; I 
will not, in consequence, receive one cent more, nor one day earlier the rank 
of Major. The only material benefit it may confer on me is that, if Colonel 
Cooper finds me to be useful to him, he will the longer retain me near him. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESGHE. 291 

" Thursday, February 5th. — I have just received a letter from Alexander, 
dated the 31st of January. He says that on tlie previous day you had 
been in town and that Laura regretted very much, that through a mistake 
of her servant, she had not seen you when you called. He tells me that 
Julia* found you ' very pretty,' vi^hile ' others thought tiiey had never seen 
her looking better.' All this gives me suoh pleasure, by its proof of your 
really being much better; for this letter is five days later than the one I 
received from you. Dear little, sweet wife, I am so happy since ray receipt 
of such good news of yourself and Marie. May they continue to gladden 
my heart ! Then again I am greatly pleased that my little wife is consid- 
ered pretty, it makes me feel quite proud. 

" Tenderly kiss and caress for me our dear children, and tell them many 
endearing things in my behalf. I press you, my dtar Mariquitta, ten- 
derly to my heart and imprint a thousand kisses upon your lips. 

''Your Julio, wholly yours." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, February 8, 1857. 

" To-day, my dearest, is my regular day for writing to you, but to be 
candid, I feel but little inclination to do so, for I have nothing of interest 
to tell you, — a state of feeling occasioned by my disappointment this morn- 
ing, when I called at the Post Office and found there was no letter from 
you. Your last one is dated the 25th of January and it is but three days 
ago that I had one fi'oin Alexander of the 30th, that is to say, five days 
fresher than yours. Do not for a moment, my darling, interpret this as 
any reproach to yourself, for I know too well your regularity in writing 
to me, which is all I should exact of you. Nor am I uneasy, as Alexander 
tells me that you were in the City on the 29th, from which I infer that 
every thing was all right. I feel also that it is my duty to submit more 
patiently to these little disappointments, which, after all, are sent us by 
Almighty God. But, none the less, at the first blush we feel carried away, 
and though I shall try to accept it with resignation, this does not prevent 
me from feeling downcast and disappointed, without ideas, and unable to 
write. 

" I have nothing new to relate to you since my last letter. 

"I left lying about in our room, upon my departure from Limours, a 
translation by my Father into French verse of the ' Batrachomnomanie' of 
Homer, or, perhaps, I may have left it in Octavie's room. You would, my 
dear little wife, render me a very great service, if you would find it and 
preciously preserve it for me. You will at once attend to this, won't you ? 

" I am quite content, my dear Mariquitta, that at last you found your- 
self free enough and able to make a little trip to the City, and you would 
please me still more if you would oftener do so. For there is not a doubt 

* Julia Francis, nee Garesche, 1st Cousin of Julius and married to Mr. 
Alfred Francis of Phila. 



292 BIOQRAPHV OF 

but that the forced seclusion, to wliich for a long time you have been con- 
signed, must have greatly affected your feelings, as well as your health, 
and that even the slight distraction of going to town, on a Visit to your 
relatives and friends; to enjoy some concerts, and to make your purchases 
for your toilet or what is required for \-our children ; to eat a few delicacies 
at Guenaudon's &c., cannot fail to do you much good, not only by the ex- 
ercise for the body, but by the delicious excitement it gives to the mind. 
By the love, therefore, you bear me, I beg of you, my dear little wife, 
from time to time, to visit the City ; and if you can summon enough cour- 
age, even to remain there a day or two. You would tlius amuse yourself, 
and would return gayer, and with a fresh stock of courage, to the side of 
your little Marie, upon whom your gayety and courage would react with 
good effect. For, it is important, that in her critical state, her courage 
should be maintained, and that she should not give way to despair, which 
might prove fatal to her. Do not forget this, for it is a serious matter, 
which should be watched. 

" During more than a week past we have had a bright sun, warm air — 
truly Spring weather. The snow has almost entirely disappeared, only a 
few scattering flakes remaining. 

"Alexander writes to me that apparently, or at least from what he hears, 
your Father is more than ever resolved to return to France. I do not, how- 
ever, believe it. I understand the nervous temperament of your Father 
and will readily concede that he thinks of doing so, but I cannot l>elieve 
that lie would ever determine upon a step, so fraught with anguish for 
your Mother, and which, in view of the condition of France and of Europe, 
would be of such rash imprudence. He would do a great deal better to 
act upon my suggestion, from which I always told him he would reap a 
fortune, and on which he can now embark, thanks to the Railroad which 
unites St. Louis with Carondelet. It is, to transform his farm on shares 
into a dairy farm, to rear cows, and every day to send the milk to St. 
Louis to some milk man, with whom he would have contracted. I am 
sure, that before two years, he would thus reap a $1000 a year, and the 
business once well established, he could augment his revenues by the 
increase of his cows. 

•'I am a little under the 'blues,' darling, and will therefore close. Ah! 
it is so painful to me, to be so long separated from you ! God, I confess, 
does powerfully aid me to bear this absence, and, despite my ingratitude, 
His goodness towards me is inexhaustible: but, yet, there are moments 
when I long for your presence, and cannot be consoled. And, to-night, I 
feel in tiiis disposition. 

"Affectionately embrace all the fiimily for me, dearest. Give a thousand 
caresses, say a thousand sweet little phrases for me to our dear children ; 
and for yourself, my Mariquitta, receive a nunil>er of affectionate kisses, 
which I would love dearly to bestow myself upon your sweet lips. Good- 
bye, sweet wife, love dearly your 

"Jules." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 293 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

How his happiness is bound up in Mariquitta and his agony of heart at 
their separation — success of the " Bill" — his intense joy thereat — his late 
painful perspective of his future — noble offer of Alexander — promise to 
his mother — idea of a partnership with some rich Capitalist or Company 
— great sacrifice it would have been to give up his Profession — his perfect 
fitness for his present position — advance of Spring — his great sorrow 
when he receives no letters from Mariquitta — her consolations in such 
moments — pleasure her letter of the 12th gave him — Father Fred's letter 
and his ear-ache — strangers flocking to Was-hington for the inauguration 
of President Buchanan and necessity of his purchasing a new uniform — 
sittings for his Dagueri-eotype that he intends presenting her — wins two 
prizes at the Orphans' Fair — Mrs. Buell — the "Cottage Furniture" and 
cost of their undertaking housekeeping — painful fears that Marie's sick 
condition will prevent their soon being reunited — wonderful influence 
Mariquitta's letters have over him — pleasure her latest news gives him — 
sea-baths for Marie — hopes for a respite of work through termination of 
present Congress — her mother's idea of a Novena to St. Joseph and his 
own to St. Eose of Lima — probable time he can start after her and his 
children — Piney Point a good bathing-place for Marie — shaves off his 
beard — his necessary oflicial calls upon new and old President and Secre- 
tary of "War and his sorrow at parting with the retiring ones — about the 
new President and Secretary — vexation about his Daguerreotype — Marie's 
excellent memory and his pleasure at Mariquitta's religious instructions 
to her — his endeavors to obtain for her uncle Jean Baptiste the Professor- 
ship of Spanish at West Point — intention of applying for his Leave to 
go after her and sorrow at thus separating her from her mother. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Monday, February 16, 1857. 
" Dear wife, I feel a need of writing to you. Hence, I take my pen in 
hand, but find myself forestalled by a single thought, the only one in my 
mind, and I know no other of which to speak to you. My life is like an 
arid desert, in which appears only one single oasis, the thought of your- 
self; — a thought at once both my happiness and my torment. All things 
else procure for me no contentment, no satisfaction. Every thought of 
happiness for me is summed up in yourself; and yet, thus separated from 
you, what misery for myself! This season of Spring-time, of love, aug- 
ments my sufferings; for your image is vested in new charms. I feel 
more drawn towards you, it seems more impossible for me to live away 



294 BIOGRAPHY OF 

from 3-011, and I feel less strength, less courage, to endure my fate. If I 
shut myself up in my room, I am oppressed ])y my loneliness. If I go 
out, every young and well dressed woman makes me think of you ; and 
the sight of one, more tlian ordinarily attractive, brings you so vividly to 
my eyes and to my memory, that I burn with the wish, a wish alas! but 
useless, to press you to my heart. If I permit myself to look, my eyes 
are fascinated, such is the eagerness with which I watch every motion of 
her dress, every movement of her foot, and always with you in my 
thoughts! But almost instantly I turn away my eyes, I cannot permit 
them this em])ty and feverish satisfaction, I suffer too much from it later. 
And, yet, though it be a happiness thus to entertain myself with you, and 
to open to you all my heart, I hesitate whether I should do so, and whether 
I do not do wrong, by awakening, perhaps, in you the same sentiments of 
sadness. Therefore, I am at a loss what to say, how to write to you. 

'"'• Thursday, February 19. — To-day, my darling, I can tell you some 
good, good news; — it is that our 'Bill' has passed the Senate, has been 
signed by the President, is therefore become a law ! My pay is increased 
$44 per month. At last, we can live without impairing our little Capital. 
B}"^ continuing to live economicallj-, we may be able every month to lay by 
something for our dear children after we are gone. We will have almost 
sufficient, when the time comes, to set up house here." I send you my De- 
cember Pay-roll foi* $114.10. It is the gift I promised you for the renewal 
of your Avardrobe in case the Bill became a Law. Remember, darling, 
that this sum is not for ordinary expenses, for which you must continue to 
ask money of xVlexander. But it is to be devoted exclusively to your 
toilet. As you will not need it all now, the surplus will aid me next Win- 
ter to procure for you the velvet cloak and furs I so ai-dently wish you to 
possess. My heart is a good deal lighter, since I realize the certainty of 
this happy event. I dared not speak of it to you, lest I should commu- 
nicate to you my own sorrow about it, for its fate for a long time was in 
doubt. We had bitter enemies in both Houses, unscrupulous men ; actu- 
ated by personal resentment towards some of the officers of the Army ; 
and they used all their eloquence, every effort, to defeat us. I had so 
often been disappointed, that I could no longer count on a successful issue ; 
hence my heart was very sad, for during the last three years, it has been 
plainly apparent to me that my pay was insufficient for our support. And 
if now it was so, when our children were so young, I enquired of myself 
how would it be, when our children would have increased, and our ex- 
penses have been augmented by their age and number, and when it would 
have become necessary to meet the expenses of their education? T fore- 
saw the entire extinguishment of our little Fortune, and then, should God 
call me away, what would have become of you all? Nothing but the 
Charity of their Uncles and Aunts! You can understand how painful to 
me was such a perspective. Now that I can speak of it to you, darling, 
you will the more readily excuse me, that during the last few weeks I 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 295 

should have caused you pain, but these thoughts very much excited and 
saddened me. Although I concealed my thoughts from you, I could not 
from Alexander, and, at once, he replied to me, to send in my resignation 
and come and enter into partnership with him. That for the first year he 
■would give me a fourth, and the next year, a third of what he would real- 
ize from his Profession of a lawyer; assuring me that last year he had 
made $5000, of which he had already collected S^400U, and that, but for his 
sickness, he would have gained $5500 ; and he anticipated that in the near 
Future he would much exceed these sums. Placing his receipts for this 
year at $6000, a figure I think he will likely reach, as for the first two 
months of last j-ear he made nothing, because all of his clients thought to 
see him in his former office and thus fell into the hands of Bauduy, and 
he made nothing during the first two months and scarcely any thing dur- 
ing the third. But putting it $0000, I should have realized $1500 for the 
first and about $2000, or more, for the second year. It was very generous 
on his part, as for the first year I could have been to him but of very little 
use. But, though I thanked him for it, I had promised my Mother never 
to be a partner of one of my brothers. Moreover, I feared that the gen- 
erosity of Alexander had led him to make me a rash offer, besides that I 
disliked somewhat to accept of what savored of Charity, and T feared that 
in the outset we might not have so well agreed together, and again I feared 
tliat I was too old to begin anew the study of the Law. In fine, I still 
cherished the hope of the passage of our Bill. Since then, when its fate 
seemed to be in doubt, I have seriously thought of leaving the Army. I 
did not recur to the offer of Alexander, but I had the idea of a partnership 
with some rich Capitalist, or Company in New York, in need of a reliable, 
upright, capable, and zealous man, to supervise and direct some great 
enterprise. Rich men eagerly seek to obtain the services of such men, 
and seldom find them, and it was just such an occupation that would have 
suited me. It would have cost me a great deal to have given up my Pro- 
fession, but no other recourse remained. Happily now, we have no longer 
cause of uneasiness about our Future. My pay will sufiice not only for 
our wants, but even permit us to lay aside a little. Every day, our lands 
increase in value, and we can lay aside the $200 a year that we receive 
from the 5tli street house* and the Levee* lot. I believe, without vanity, 
that there is not another officer of the Corps, who can better fill the posi- 
tion I now hold; hence I have the hope of keeping it for at least three 
years to come, possibly even much longer, and I believe that you will 
like Washington as much as I do. 

'"For the past two weeks we have had real Spring weather, and every 
one is so astonished that the enquiry is general, can it be that Winter is 
gone ? We no longer have fires, and the doors and windows are even 



* These properties were part of his father's small estate, and he had a \ 
interest in them. 



296 BIOGRAPHY OF 

opened. The thermometer marks 70°. At this rate, we will soon see the 
grass green and the trees in leaf. But, for myself, I cannot believe that 
the Winter is entirely over. 

" I hope to-morrow to receive a letter from you ; shall I, my darling, be 
disappointed? Affectionately embrace all the family, and tenderly caress 
for me our dear children. I trust that I am not much longer to be sepa- 
rated from you and them. How I yearn, sweet wife, to clasp you within 
my arms ! Till then, I send you a thousand most tender kisses and am 
yours entirely. 

"Your Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Sunday, February 22nd, 1857. 

"For the last two days I have longed to write to you, my dear wife, but 
the disappointment of returning, day after day, from the Post Office with- 
out receiving a letter from you, affected me so painfully that I feared to 
write you another sad and sulky letter, like what you have already com- 
plained of once or twice. I no longer dared hope for a letter from you, 
and this morning I went to the Post Office, saying it was useless, but feel- 
ing if I were again to be disappointed it would be with difficulty I could 
resign myself. For you do not know the effect such a disappointment has 
upon mo, — the sadness, vexation, ill temper, that it excites in me, and in 
which I remain plunged for whole days. AVhen you are thus tried, you 
have the sweet smile, and delicious little countenance of our Louis; the 
gayety and caresses of our charming Na; the angelic tenderness of our 
darling Marie, to console and distract you ; but I, I have nothing of all 
this! 

"At last, I had the happiness to find your letter of the 12th, which took 
ten days to come, and it gave me pleasure and did me good. I thank you, 
dearest, for your description of Lily's* wedding, and I was so pleased to 
see you had enjoyed yourself so very much. You could not have lacked 
attention, since you danced the whole evening. You know how often I 
beg of 3'ou to give me more details in your letters, and which you never 
seemed to have fully understood, — this eagerness of mine for every thing, 
for the nothings, trifles etc. And yet those trifles, that concern you or our 
children, are for me the most interesting items in all your letters. For 
example, those few words, ' I danced all evening,' which you wrote with- 
out much attention, to me were worth your whole letter — worth at least a 
hundred of those I have received from you this month. Why? Because, 
they spoke of you, they showed me you had not lacked attention, as you 
made me fear they would, a thought that had worried and troubled me 
since, and of which you did not speak a word to reassure me, except indi- 
rectly in that last line. That has pictured to me my Mariquitta, prettily 
dressed, looking younger, beautiful, gay, happy, smiling, and naturally 

* His sister Lily — see Page 411, Note. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 297 

admired. And all this gave me great pleasure, not only for the moment 
and each time I re-read your letter, and re-read it again, but for several 
days, that this agreeable picture presented itself to my eyes. And yet one 
thing is wanting, I would have liked to know the names of those with whom 
you danced. 

"I thank j^ou, darling, for the wedding gift you gave Lily. I approve 
of your selection, and am very happy to learn that it seemed to have given 
Lily pleasure. 

" What you tell me of the effects of the fever on our dear little Marie, 
preoccupies me ; though the fever came while we were making the Novena 
to St. Joseph, it may be a forerunner of an improvement in her case. 

" Her state of health does not cease to preoccupy me. I am constantly 
reflecting, whether she can endure the trip to Washington. You have not 
yet received the letters in which I speak of my anxiety on this subject, for 
you do not answer me, in the one I received this morning. I would have 
loved to have had your advice, my dear wife. 

"This beautiful Spring weather, so extraordinary at this season of the 
year, when we should. still be in the rigors of Winter, still remains. I am 
writing with my window opened, through which enters the warm and 
languishing breeze of Spring, and the heat of a magnificent sun. 

"This Aveather, which fosters thoughts of love, makes me feel more 
cruelly and more sensibly the sad and painful separation from you, my 
darling wife, and our children. I suffer so much at times that my courage 
completely deserts me. May God give me the patience and spirit of resig- 
nation, and allow us soon to be reunited ! 

" Embrace all the family affectionately for me and give a thousand kisses 
to our dear little ones. I cover you with the most loving kisses my darling 
little wife. Your Julks." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Washington, Ash-Wednesday, February 25, 1857. 

" Again, just returned from the Post Office, but no letters ! You cannot 
realize, my darling wife, what a bitter disappointment it has been to me. 
I felt so very sure of receiving one to-day, because your last was of the 
12th ; and how even w^ith their known irregularity the Mails can take five 
days from Washington to St. Louis at this season, is to me a mystery. 

" I am not able to portray to you an idea of the effect which this disap- 
pointment always produces on me. Leaving the office with ray mind en- 
gaged and wearied with from five to six hours of work, I reanimate myself 
by the consolation, 'Well! never mind, I shall surely have a letter from 
my Mariquitta to-day, it is so long since I heard from her, that to-day I 
cannot fail to have one.' Then, I enter into all sorts of calculations, to 
make sure that there will be no failure. I reach the Post Office, but no 
letter! Then, my poor wearied head feels overwhelmed. For several 
hours, I become a prey to despondency, bad humor, and a host of kindred 



298 BIOGRAPHV OF ■ 

feelings, without the strength, scarcely even the desire to resist them. 
To-day, happily, I recollected in time, that I ought to commence my Lent 
with more submission to the Will of God and a greater mortification of 
spirit, so that my ill temper lasted but a very few moments. Still, this 
does not prevent me from finding it almost an impossibility to write to you. 
My life is too monotonous to give rise to incidents that could interest you. 
It is every day, the same unvarying routine. 

"I received a few days since a letter from Frederick, who is slowly re- 
covering from a paroxysmal ear-ache, whicli for a week past had caused 
him such agonizing pain, that, even as often as four times each day, he 
would be thrown into convulsions. He, however, very seriously thanks 
me for it, and with an apparent air of real gratitude; because, as I had 
informed him, when making our great Novena of eight days, I had, to- 
gether with the favor I asked in behalf of our dear child, joined the inten- 
tion that he receive the graces necessary for the Holy State upon which he 
is so soon to enter. lie, therefore, attributes to the prayers of the Novena, 
the martyrdom he has endured, and which, he says, God out of Ilis mercy 
had sent him, that he miglit reap from it a shower of graces, of whicli he 
stood in need. 

" Dear brother, T hope that he may profit by them 1 But, though he 
appreciates his illness in a truly religious spirit, I must confess, that I 
thougiit the view he took of it somewhat original, and, but for the thought 
of his sufferings, could even have been amused by it. 

" The City is filling up with strangers, flocking here from every quarter, 
to assist at Mr. Buchanan's inauguration on the 4th of next montli. It is 
in view of this ceremonial, that I could no longer defer the purchase of my 
new uniform, which will involve an expense of $70. But then, there was 
no escape from it. 

" The passage of our 'Bill' has permitted me to incur another expense, 
in the shape of a gift, which you have often asked of me and which will, I 
hope, therefore, please you. Can you guess it? "Will you be contented 
with it? For, I was eight years younger, when last I had my daguerreo- 
type taken. Since then. Time, care, sorrow and anxieties, so inseparable 
to the life of a father of a family, have made me much older. My 
forehead is more wrinkled, my complexion less fresh, my look more 
serious. However, to please you as far as I could, I have lately permitted 
my beard to grow much longer, and have combed it in the manner yon 
prefer, so that upon the whole I hope you will not be displeased with my 
Ambrotype. I can assure you, that you owe me no little thanks for the 
patience with whicli I bore the sittings. It seems that my expression has 
become so gloomy, that my air is dark and threatening enough to throw 
my artist into despair. Twice, I went to his studio, and four different 
attempts did he endeavor to take of me, without either he or I being satis- 
fied, so that I must again return. And, yet, both of us did our best. He, 
after having already exhorted ine on this chapter, would, at the critical 
moment, repeat; — 'Now, pay attention, this is the moment to assume an 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 299 

agreeable expre.ision, quick !^ I, for my part, would make herculean efforts 
to assume an agreeable expression; I would exhaust my imagination in 
raising up laughing images, amusing ideas, and would curl my lips, to 
enthrone a smile upon them. But it appears, that smiles no longer know 
me; for, thus far, my eiforts have been unsuccessful. Once, I succeeded 
best, partly, by imagining that I saw the Blessed Virgin, young, teeming 
with beauty and grace, crowned with flowers, a miracle of beauty and 
sweetness, — partly, by thinking of the air of my little Tavie, coming out 
of your closet at Fort Brown, with a groat piece of sweetmeat in her hand, 
which she had just quietly stolen from you, and was as unconcernedly 
eating. 

"And, yet, do you remember, how i-eadily and how easily the man in 
St. Louis took me, and how, every time, I wore a smiling expression? 
But, at any rate, none of my late efforts resemble the caricature, taken of 
me in Mexico. 

'■''Thursday, Fehriiary 26. — No letter as yet! '\!\\ong\\ fourteen days 
have elapsed since the receipt of your last; never, even during the Winter, 
has there been such a delay ; hence, with such fine weather, it cannot be 
ascribed to the Mails. Some one of your family must be sick, this can 
alone be the reason you have so long neglected me. Now, I shall feel 
afraid to receive a letter, I shall so much dread it to be the hai-binger of 
bad news. This thought already makes me feel sad. At least, I hope 
that it will be nothing very serious. With all of my heart, I recommend 
you to God and to the Blessed Virgin. 

" Spring has decidedly come among us ; the grass in the Parks is green ; 
the trees begin to bud ; and, this morning, I heard a bird sing for a long 
while. 

" Something, for me, most extraordinary, and which, I believe, happens 
for the first time of my life ! I have won two prizes at the Orphans' Fair ; 
one is an egg-boiler in Britannia ware, the other, a little silver knife and 
fork. Having no use for the former, and not thinking the latter very 
pretty, I think I shall give them away to some persons, to whom I am 
here under some obligation. 

"Again, tliis morning, I returned to the Photographer's, and once more 
posed ; but, I think, with even less success than on former occasions, so 
that I do not think it worth while to make another trial. I shall, there- 
fore, content myself with the one taken before the last, ugly though it be. 
One cannot, at his own caprice, look young. 

" Very affectionately embrace all the family for me. Caress tenderly 
our dear children. How I would like to do it, and to kiss yourself too, 
dear, dear wife ! I press you with love to my heart, and ever am 

" Your Julio. 

" P.S. Major * Buell, who has just arrived, begs to be remembered to you." 

* Major Don Carlos Buell, Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. A., subse- 
quently Major General of Volunteers. 



300 BIOQRAFHY OF 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Friday, February 27, 1857. 

"At length, to-day, my dear wife, 1 received your letter of the 19th and 
20th, and, as I had anticipated, you tell me that your room has been 
turned into an Hospital, and that you were very much exhausted. Poor 
little one I I was pretty sure of this, I knew very well that but for some 
cogent reason, you would not have abstained so long from writing. Nat- 
urally, the news you give me cast me down, but I much prefer to know 
the truth, than to worry myself over imagining the worst, and I feared 
that it might be so. I observe that, at least, none of the children have 
been seriously ill, and that all exhausted as you are, still you are not in the 
least sick. I wish, indeed, my darling, that I were near you, to aid you 
in the nursing of our dear children, and I must confess that I feel quite 
discouraged, when I think that Marie may not be able to travel, and if so, 
this situation of affairs must be prolonged. You have not now the leisure 
to speak to me of this fear, but I hope you will soon give me your views 
about it. 

'■'■Sunday, March 1st. — The weather is magnificent, and the City wears 
a holiday air, due to the immense concourse of people who have come to 
participate in the inaugui'ation of the new President. It is difficult to find 
a lodging place. Mrs. Buell told me, that she and her husband had been 
able to procure only a single large room for themselves and their two 
daughters, who are grown young ladies, already in Society. They divide 
the room in two by linen partitions, and live thus. I called on them yes- 
terday, and Mrs. Buell was exceedingly gracious. 

" In another visit I made, after leaving her house, I was able to see the 
'Cottage Furniture,' which I had been told Avould please you, because 
very pretty, and very cheap. I found it, in truth, both pretty and cheap, 
but I see, that to set up house will cost us much more than I had antici- 
pated. The gentleman wliom I visited, an old and intimate acquaintance 
of mine, assured me that to furnish two bedrooms like the one I saw, had 
cost him not less than $300. Hence, I calculate that we cannot undertake 
housekeeping under fSOO. It is to be hoped, therefore, that Col. Cooper 
will hold me in such favor, that we need not soon change our domicile, for 
one or two removals would work great injury to our little Capital. 

"But, can we even be reunited? This question of late preoccupies me 
incessantly, and I can see no certain solution to it. According to my 
limited ideas, the condition of our dear Marie seems to suggest an insur- 
mountable obstacle. And when I think so, I fall into dull and gloomy 
musings ; for I cannot bear the perspective of another year of separation 
from you, my darling, who are so absolutely necessary to my happiness. 
Within myself, I see no courage to bear this prolonged anguish. God, it 
is true, would aid me, but I prefer to cherish the thought that He will 
come to our assistance, sooner to reunite us ; and this is my only hope. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 301 

"You must excuse me, darling, if I do not write to yoii a longer letter, 
but I am utterly unable to do so. Ordinarily, from your letters I take the 
subjects of my own, and the sources of my thoughts are yourself and our 
children. My own life is too monotonous and too indifferent to furnish 
themes for my letters. God is very good to me, a million times more than 
I deserve: He gives me excellent health and the coui'age necessary to en- 
able me to endure our separation. But then, this is all I have to say about 
myself. When you have good news to tell me ; when your letters are gay, 
affectionate, full of details about yourself and our dear children, then I feel 
inspired by them. At once I feel moved by a desire to write to you. I 
love to retrace all that yon have written, and I have a host of things to 
express to j'ou, — I can easily write. But all this depends upon the char- 
acter of your letters: when they are sad, meagre of details, brief, or like 
the last one, only speaking of illness, fatigues, exhaustion, then I become 
sombre, and it is with difEculty that I can write even a few short and 
sorrowful lines. 

"Good-bye, then, my darling, embrace affectionately all the family for 
me : tenderly fondle our dear children. I press you lovingly to my heart 
and send you the sweetest of kisses. 

" Your Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, D. C, Monday, March 2, 1857. 

" Dear, dear, sweet little wife ! I have just this moment received your 
two letters, one of the 15th, and the other of the 22nd February ; and the 
first, especially, transported me with happiness and love. And, it is this 
delicious letter, that Master Robert permitted himself to keep from me for 
so long a time! Truly, if I did not feel so happy, I would have good 
reason to be seriously put out with him. This negligence of our good 
brother-in-law, explains why I have not heard from you for so long a 
time. I cannot describe to you the sadness it occasioned me ; I had 
already been so carried away by this sentiment, that it finished me. But 
now I am altogether gay and contented, and oh ! so full of love ! You can 
see, as I have before intimated, what a wonderful influence your letters 
exercise over me : I am as sensible to them as the thermometer is to the 
heat. Last month, I only received about ten, all told, very short and dry, 
and my spirits sufi"ered in consequence. To-day, I am in receipt of two, 
and such good letters, especially one of them, and my clouds of melan- 
choly have dissipated themselves like the shadows of Night before the 
rising Sun. 

" One of your letters is so charming, my own dear wife ! When my 
Mariquitta speaks to me of love and poses herself in an alluring manner 
before my eyes, I am unable to give her the faintest idea of the passion of 
love into which I am thrown ! My own dearest, my heart burns with love 
for thee ; I love you above all others in this world, and every day, more 
passionately. And, when you reveal your inmost heart to me for a 



302 BIOGRAPHY OF 

moment, us in this letter, and show that you bear me the same sentiment, I 
cannot express how happy you render me. You appear more beautiful, 
more charming than any one else, and I feel my heart overflowing with 
love for you. 

" I am so pleased to know that every one finds you looking so well, my 
little Mariquitta, may you long enjoy this splendid health and thus rejoice 
my heart and eyes ! 

" I am also delighted to learn from your letter of the 22nd, that you 
will be ready to return with me next month ; for, it relieves my heart of 
a weighty care; but are you sure, darling, and have you inquired of the 
physicians wiiether Marie can now make th^ trip? 

" You render ine very happy, by your recital of the tender affection our- 
beloved Mario ))e;vrs us both ; and very proud, by 3^our description of the 
beauty of our son. 

" Siiould the sea-baths do our dear child any good, we must not then 
regard the expense. The only diflSculty that I anticipate is, that I cannot 
absent myself with you ; and, as the greater part of these bathing-places 
are overrun with the multitudes that flock to them, you would not know 
how to live at one, all alone, with three children, one of whom is so inca- 
pable of making the slightest movement. However, the good God will aid 
lis, and I do not despair, therefore, of giving you this pleasure. 

" For some days, I have experienced the wish of writing to our good 
Mother, but I have not really found the time, for we have been so occu- 
pied at the Office. I hope that, as the two Houses of Congress will finish 
their sessions to-morrow, and the new Administi'ation cannot have much 
w^ork for us at first, we will be able to enjoy some respite. I have great 
need of it, so as to complete some memoirs I have in my mind, and to 
make some studies relative to my duties, which will greatly assist me in 
the sequel. In an Office, like the one I am in, one finds always, continu- 
ally, something to do, and one can never study too much, in the intent to 
perfect himself. 

" I thank our good Mother for her idea of making another Novena, in 
honor of St. Joseph, terminating on his Feast Day. It is an excellent 
thought, and I will join in it with a great deal of pleasure. I was myself 
about to propose another, but in honor of St. Rose of Lima, an American 
Saint. The idea came to me yesterdaj", in hearing the priest repeat her 
name at Mass. 

'' Thursday, March 5th, 1857, — My darling, j^ou are my '■sweet,'' and I 
love you with all my heart. I have great difficulty in restraining my im- 
patience to see you again. For, what you tell me of your certainty of 
being able to return with me, has raised my courage and so filled my mind 
■with the thought of our reunion, that I can with difficulty think of any 
thing else. I hope, also, soon to hazard asking Colonel Cooper for a 
Leave. I am toiling without relaxation, so as to leave no unfinished work 
that might detain me. However, do not allow yourself to be too hopeful, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 303 

for every thing here is just now in a state of uncertainty. Althouo;h Mr. 
Buchanan was inaugurated yesterday, his Cabinet has not as yet been 
announced, and it is said that some dissensions have occnrred between him 
and those he h.ad chosen to compose it. Everybody is awaiting the issue, 
and I do not know what turn the affair will take in what concerns myself. 
Every thing considered, I hardly think I could start before the end of the 
month, and I even clearly see the iviposslbiUty of doing so before the 
15th. The 20th is about as soon as I dare promise to be able to leave 
Washington. 

• "Regarding the sea-baths, of which I am continually thinking, I can 
inform you that, at the distance of a twelve hours' voyage by steamboat 
fi-om here, on the Potomac River (on which Washington is also situated), 
near to its junction with the Chesapeake Bay, there is a bathing-place, 
rather agreeable, called Piney Point, where one can be well enough 
lodged, and which is not over-crowded. You can spend the Summer there 
with our children, and I could visit you every Saturday, or, at least, every 
second Saturday, returning to Washington on the following Monday. 
The waters are not as. salty as those of the Sea, but what mattei-s that, if 
they will agree as well with our dear child. Moreover, there is this ad- 
vantage, that I shall be near you, and able to see you from time to time. 
The more I reflect on it, the more it seems to me the proper spot that will 
suit us. 

" I cut off my beard the other day, and see by my face, as I suspected 
before, that I have grown thin during the past six weeks. I am, however, 
feeling in excellent health. 

"The abscess of Marie greatly preoccupies me. Dear child, to do her 
good, I would willingly go to the expense you mention ; I Avould be only 
too happy, provided it benefited her. 

"Tell me (after receiving the information from your Father) in your 
next letter, at what house in Carondelet I could leave my trunk, — suppos- 
ing that I arrive by the Railroad, — so as to proceed, at once, on foot to 
Limours? 

" Embrace very affectionately all the family and tenderly caress my 

children for me. I lovingly press you to my heart, dear, dear Mariquitta, 

and send you a million of sweet kisses. 

"Your Julio." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Washington, Saturday, March 7, 1857. 
" I regret, my own darling, to have said so much to you in my last let- 
ter of my approaching arrival, especially, in holding out to you the hope 
that I could leave so soon. For now I cannot expect to be able to leave 
Washington before the end of the month, and, perhaps, not even then ; 
because the Senate, unlike the House, has not closed its Sessions, but re- 
mains to discuss an important treaty with England, in respect to which 
public opinion is very much divided. It is impossible to say how long it 



304 BIOGRAPHY OF 

will occupy them. Some say two weeks, othei's six ; but, be this as it may, 
until they go I see no chance for me to leave. This delay, this disap- 
pointment is a great trial for me, as my impatience to rejoin you increases 
from day to day. 

" To-day, Ave called to pay our respects to the new Secretaj-y and the 
new President, and then went to take our farewell of the former Secretary 
and President. The last had the goodness, in a special and most amiable 
manner, to thank me for the trifling services I had rendered him. I confess 
that I felt sorry to part with him and Col. Davis ; for, after all, tliough I 
have nothing to expect from them, yet for the first time in a long career, 
to be esteemed and singled out by persons of eminent position, could not 
fail to attach me to those who had paid me this justice, or this compli- 
ment. 

" The new President is a superior statesman and, in Society, displays 
distinguished manners. The new Secretary, Governor Floyd, is the same 
person I have mentioned to you, and belongs to a family of converts, so 
that he himself is more disposed to be Catholic than aught else. It is 
even reported that he is one ; but, though he attends our Churches, I doubt 
if he be. At all events, this is none of my business. 

" I have just received your brief letter of the 24th and 26th, and thank 
you, darling, for the information you gave me about our children. I am 
80 glad to know that our little Marie, though slowly, nevertheless begins 
to improve, for I was somewhat uneasy about her. Poor dear child, how 
it afflicts me to see that she is so alive to her misfortune and is so powerless 
to accept it with resignation ! 

" Sundai/, March 8. — Darling, all my thoughts turn to you and to our 
dear children. I am preoccupied with the thought of our reunion and the 
disappointment of seeing this happy moment delayed. Let us hope that 
God will remedy this, and allow me to make my escape to you sooner than 
I expect. 

" My photograph is another little vexation for me. The other day I 
called for it, but the photographer is so displeased with it that he would 
not let me have it, remarking, * It is poor; to tell you the truth. Sir, 
damned poor, and we're ashamed of it;' and he wishes me to return for 
another sitting. But, unfortunately, in the belief that it was altogether 
finished, I have shaved ofiF my beard, and, without taking into considera- 
tion my dreadful disgust for another sitting, of which I have had such a 
surfeit, of what use to take my likeness now, when it is with my beard 
that you like to see me, and without it I look so thin and ugly. 

"I agree with you, that it is better to buy our own furniture. Besides, 
during the Summer, we would have no use for it, since we propose sea- 
bathing for our dear little Marie. And it may be that, on our return 
from the sea-shore, it would be better to board — at least, until the Spring. 
For, with a child as afflicted as Marie, and who requires so much of your 
attention, and, too, with a little baby, like Louis, I fear that housekeeping 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 305 

■n-ould be too much of a burthen for you. I am of the opinion, that it 
would be better at the outset to try boarding. It is cheaper, and woulil 
aid you in the cost of your toilet, here such a necessity, and would enable 
us to lay by something, so that in the Spring we could take a house with- 
out encroaching on our modest Capital. 

"I see with pleasure, from the happy instances you cite of Marie's 
memory, that you continue to instruct her in her Religion. Continue, 
darling, to do so ; for not only do you thereby fulfil a duty, but perform 
an Act most grateful in the sight of God, aside from the immense boon 
you confer on your child, by thus placing in her power for her whole life, 
the greatest of all consolations, in fact, the only one which, in her condi- 
tion, she can appreciate. 

"Very tenderly kiss this dear child for me, as also our sweet little Xa, 
and our littlq Louis, on whom you seem to dote so much. Give them a 
thousand caresses for me. Also affectionately embrace for me the wliole 
family, and receive for yourself, my dear little wife, a host of sweet little 
kisses which I would like so well to imprint myself on your lips. 

" Your Jules."' 
Julius to Maric[uitta. 

" Washington, D. C, Monday, March 9, 1857. 

'•'My dearest, I have just received your sweet letter of the 1st., which 
gave me such pleasure that I have since read and re-read it, and will re- 
read it again. 

" I am so happy that mine of the 10th and 22nd of Februai-y gave you 
so much pleasure. For, during the last six weeks, I have felt so low- 
spirited, that I feared my letters would, on the contrary, give you pain. 

"I am also pleased that you advise me not to leave before the 1st of 
April, for I dare not hope to be able to do so sooner, and dreaded telling 
you this, knowing it would be such a disappointment to you, since you 
would have expected me about the 20th of this month. As I remarked to 
you in my last letter, the Senate remains in session, and no one knows 
how long it may last. To which it may be added, that the new President 
and his Cabinet ai-e so very busy trying to seize the thread of the import- 
ant business, that the business of the bureau suflFers, and can but slowly 
progress. 

" Tuesday, March 10. — To explain a dispatch I have just sent Robert, I 
must inform you that Congress, at its last session, authorized the appoint- 
ment of a Professor of Spanish for the Military Academy. I only learned 
of it the other day, when joking with an Officer, an old comrade, and now 
an Aide to the Chief of our Engineer Corps (to which is attached the 
Academy) who mentioned it to me, I enquired, 'But why not give me this 
place?' He as quickly answered, 'but would you accept of it;' and he 
wore so much the appearance of thinking that I could have it for the ask- 
ing, that it set me to thinking. It is a permanent position, with fuel and 
dwelling, and my pay would be even better than what I now have. But, 

20 



306 BIOGRAPHY OF 

then, there -would be no promotion in prospect. Moreover, my present 
pluce, in point of distinction etc., is so much finer and more important; 
and, in addition, the climate of West Point is so cold, and might not 
always suit you, and then what would we do. I hesitated but a moment, 
and almost immediately thought of your uncles *Jean Baptiste and 
Charles. It occurred to me, that I had been told that both spoke fluently 
the Spanish, and I decided immediately at once to apply for the position 
for one of them, and this I did in writing yesterday. If I were certain 
that they could teach Spanish, I feel confident that I could obtain the ap- 
pointment for one of the two, and if your uncle Jean Baptiste were here 
to help me, I would feel almost assured of success. But in my uncertainty 
as to the extent of their familiarity Avith the language, I feel embarrassed, 
even by the step I have already taken. This morning, at the Engineer 
Bureau, it was observed to me, that I dwelt much more on their other 
qualities than on their knowledge of Spanish, and I was asked to be a 
little more explicit on this point. But this was just what I dared not do. 
I had, among other things, boasted of the part the old Bailli de SuiFren 
took in the success of the Revolutionary War, in soundly thrashing the 
En<i-lish in the "West Indies &c. &c., but I had taken good care not to dwell 
too much on the Spanish. I hoped they would not notice this, but since 
they have, I very much fear, that unless Robert can come to my aid in 
this respect, by sending me certificates less vague than my own, there will 
be but a slim chance of success. 

'• The late President refused to make this appointment, as it would go 
into effect only on the 1st of next July. My hope is that, for the same 
reason, Mr. Buchanan may again postpone it for a few months. "Were I 
but certain of this, I would on the spot write to your uncle Jean Baptiste, 
to come on immediately, backed by all the recommendations he could ob- 
tain. But, as it is impossible to say when the appointment will be made, 
I am unwilling, in this state of doubt, to assume the responsibility of sub- 



* Jean Baptiste and Charles de Coudroy de Laureal, brothers and 1st 
Cousins to Mariquitta's Parents. Jean B., the elder, entered the military 
school of St. Cyr, which he graduated from in 1829 as a 2nd Lieutenant in 
the Infantry. He took part in the wars of Spain and Greece from 1827 to 
1828. In 1830 he resigned his commission and married during the same 
year his 1st Cousin, Augustine Lemercier de Pumbiray, and then returned 
to Guadeloupe, where he remained until 1848, when he came over to the 
United States. Charles entered the military Polytechnique institute, but, 
owin"- to sickness, was compelled to leave. He returned to Guadeloupe in 
1830, when 21 years old, and lived for many years on the property of his 
family caUed " Lilet." He also married his 1st Cousin, Eliza Lemercier de 
Pombiray, and during the troubles of 1848 left for the United States, having 
like other nobles of Guadeloupe lost the greater part of his means. After 
a few years both brothers with their families went over to Cuba, and were 
living there at the time (March 1857). 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 307 

jecting him to so expensive and, perhaps, useless a voyage. It would be 
quite a different thing if he were in St. Louis, for then I should urge him 
to start at once. But this much your Father and his friends can do, obtain 
as many recommendations in his favor as possible from eminent St. Louis 
persons, especially from those who are familiar with his knowledge of 
Spanish and then forward them direct to the Secretary of War. 

'•'■ Wednesday ., March 11. — Alexander's delay in the last remittance you 
asked of him, arose from his want of funds of mine. 

"I should love to hear my little Na sing 'Jim crack corn, Na don't 
care,' and I hope soon to have this pleasure. I am glad to learn that she 
has grown so well behaved. Dear children, what a happiness for me to 
see them again — what a life to dwell so far away from them ! 

" Thursday., March 12, 1857. — My own darling, I shall close this letter, 
having nothing further of interest to say. I am still very much engrossed 
with my duties and cannot fix the date of my departure. I saw Gibbon 
to-day, and he enquired about you. I found him somewhat thinner, and 
changed to his disadvantage. 

"Very affectionately embrace all the family for me; caress our dear 
children ; and receive for yourself a thousand sweet kisses, and always 
dearly love 

"Your Julio." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Washingtox, D. C, Sunday, March 15, 1857. 
" My own darling, 

" I received yesterday your letter of the 6th, and you made my heart 
bleed by what you said of the sadness of our dear Marie. What would I 
not give to see her cured ! So ardently do I desire it, that I cannot per- 
mit myself to think that it will not be realized. I am in hopes that the 
change she will receive from the sea-baths will do her good. 

" The Senate terminated its session yesterday, and hence, after I have 
cleared out a few office matters, I see nothing to delay my departure. I 
intend speaking of it to-morrow to Colonel Cooper. I even flatter myself 
with the expectation of being able to leave to-morrow week. 

" The position I sought for your uncle Jean Baptiste greatly preoccupies 
me. I received a telegram from Robert ; and though it was not quite so 
clear as to the extent of your uncle's knowledge of the Spanish language 
as would remove all doubt, still I felt so emboldened by it, that I called 
upon Governor Polk*, the Senator, and asked him to give it his aid. He 
replied, that the position had not yet been filled, and that the President 
Avas sick, and that he would, therefore, have time on his return to St. 
Louis to see Robert and by a personal interview satisfy himself of your 
uncle's fitness ; and, if found capable, he would then write to the Presi- 
dent, — that the matter would admit of this delay. I fear, however, that 

* Governor Trusten Polk, Senator from Missouri. 



308 BIOGRAPHY OF 

this delay will be fatal, and besides a letter will carry so little weight. 
It would have nothing like the effect of a few Avords spoken in the ears of 
the Secretary of AVar. I felt it would be well to insist upon this, but bash- 
fulness prevented me, for I cannot be urgent Avhere I am personally inter- 
ested. But, in the expectation that the place will not be speedily filled, 
I think it better to write to your uncle to return at once and urge him to 
go to the Barracks.* I Avill give him letters of introduction to the Officers 
there, and endeavor to obtain others from them. Their recommendation 
Ayould be vei-y useful. Then, he must obtain letters to the President, to 
the Secretary of War and to the Chief of Engineers. The position is such 
a splendid bne that he may Avell risk the expense of the journey. More- 
over, he must enlist at St. Louis the aid of Gov'r Polk and of other prom- 
inent Democrats. We will have returned here soon, and I can then assist 
him with my advice. In the interval, he must upturn Heaven and Earth. 
He should try to induce our Senators to take the matter so ivannli/ to 
heart, as to make it their own personal affair. An apathetic letter from 
them would do no good. 

" Among politicians, there exists a species of Free- Masonry. They are 
so beset with applications, that they sign them in a mass, wathout exer- 
cising any discrimination, and in favor of persons for whom they care 
nothing at all. They dare not refuse, but then they have a way, by 
reason of Avhich the Authorities perfectly comprehend their indifference, 
despite their recommendation. You must, therefore, arouse their interest, 
and yet not importune them. 

"Mrs. Thomas IIornsby,t being a relative of Gov'r. Polk, would have 
influence with him ; and, if he become really interested, he would carry 
great weight. The Lucases, and some others of his friends would also 
help to SAvay him. 

"It grieves me, as the time draws near, to think that I must rob your 
Mother of you. She does so ardently love you all, has been so devoted to 
you all, and will be so affected by your departure, that it pains me deeply 
to think how greatly she will feel it. If only the whole family could come 
with us, for I am sure they would be delighted Avith Washington! And, 
since 3-our Father Avishes to leave Limours, Avhy not come here? United 
under the same roof, Ave Avould form such a happy household ! But then 
Nancy and Madeleine Avould have to be left behind with their little flocks, 
and I am not so selfish as to desire this. 

"Good-bye, my darling. Affectionately embi'ace all the family for me. 
Give a thousand sAveet kisses to our beloved children. With the most ten- 
der love do I press you to my heart and remain 

" Your Julio." 

* Jefferson Barracks, Mo. — see Page 231, Note 1. 
t Sister-in-laAv of Dr. N. LcAvis Hornsby. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 309 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Julius goes after his family — his description of their trip to Washington — 
his distress in seeing no material for Religious in his little daughters — 
Mariquitta's severe illness, his devotion and agony — her longings for 
their own home — his success in marketing — his description of their little 
son and daughters — Mariquitta's love for auctions — his objection to her 
reading " Zes Confidences de LamartUie'^ — his able and conclusive argu- 
ment in the case of Lieut. Schaumberg — birth of Edgar and his death — 
Julius' connection with and organizing Society of St. Vincent de Paul in 
Washington, his charities and works relative to it and anecdotes thereof 
— Col. Richard F. O'Beirne's remarks. 

In April of 1857 Julius set out with a joyful heart for 
Limours, after his beloved little family, aud had the intense 
happiness of being able to bring them back with him to 
Washington. 

Julius to Mariqidtta' s Mother. 

" Washington, Friday, May 15th, 1857. 
" Dear Mother, 

" Since my arrival, I have unceasingly thought of you and of writing 
to you, but my occupations at the Office keep me so busy, that I cannot 
even think of writing there; and when I return home, it is to dine, attend 
to the children's dinner and then take them out for their walk. After 
returning, supper is announced, shortly after which we retire. So it is 
only on such afternoons as this, when we are afraid of going out walking 
with the children, for fear of rain, that I find time to write to you. I 
acknowledge that even to-day I must make an effort to take the pen, for, 
after the fatigues of my mental labors of the day, I do so enjoy abandoning 
myself to Mariquitta and my children. 

" I do not know whether Mariquitta gave you a full account of our jour- 
ney. Taking every thing into consideration it was a good one and the three 
children stood it perfectly well. Marie suffered much, I believe, from her 
separation from you ; she scarcely spoke, but from time to time had such 
mournful and sad manners that they rent my heart. I tried in vain to 
console and amuse her. The greater part of the time she feigned sleep, 
so as not to be compelled to answer us. This was really painful to see in 
so young a child. She really appeared soothed only on the last day of our 
journey, between Cumberland and Washington. We were travelling over 
a beautiful country, all was^reen and fresh and bore such an air of Spring, 



310 BIOGRAPHY OF 

that Marie, who possesses in a high degree the sense of the Beautiful, and 
has real artistic tastes, enjoyed it immensely. At first she was disappointed 
in AYashington, and in our boarding, but she is becoming little b}' little 
accustomed, although she frequently asks to be ' taken home' — ' in her 
house' — for it is thus she speaks of Limours. 

"My little Tavie also misses you. She often inquires after you, and 
does not understand that you are no longer near her. I told her Papa 
Douard* was sick and you had gone back to Limours to take care of him. 
She often asks to be taken back to her Mamma Tavie. 

"As for Louis, I do not doubt but that he would recognize you if he saw 
you now, but you know he does not yet speak." 

Extracts from Letters of Mariquitta to her Parents. 

" AVashingtox, May 20, 1857. 
********* 

" Marie and Tavie enjoy very much the attentions of the little boys of 

our boarding house, which distresses Jules : for he pretends that he sees 

no material in his daughters for becoming Religious. * * * *" 

- " Washington, June 25th, 1857. 

" I am very sorry for all the anxiety Jules has caused you, by all his 
telegraphic dispatches, and my only excuse for him, is, that he was almost 
crazy and thouglit you only, dear Mamma, could save me from the immi- 
nent danger in which I was. lie was so loving and devoted during all my 
illness, that aftervvai-ds several ladies, who had assisted him to nurse me, 
united in saying that they had never yet seen such a perfection of a 
husband. 

"Thanks to God I am in full convalescence since the last four days ; I 
am rapidl}^ regaining my strength, and I am very, vcrj' ghid, dear 3Iamma, 
you did not undertake this journey, which would have been for you so full 
of pain and anguish. 

" It was on my Pollette'sf First Communion day, and the IGth anniver- 
sai-y of my own, that my life seemed in the greatest danger. Adele was 
constantly before my c^^es, and I said to Jules: ' DoUette is praying for 
me, I shall not die.' 

" My children did not suffer by my illness. The mistress of the house 
took good care of them. 

"I hope my strength will permit my going into our own home next 
Monday. The house being already furnished, I have nothing to do for our 
instalment. I do not like a boarding-house table, it disgusts me so, that 
since my sickness, all I eat Jules has brought from a French Restaurant. 
I Avill be charmed to be in our own little home, where we can have just 
what we like to eat. * * * * " 

* Little Tavie's Grandfather, 
f Her young sister xldele. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 31 1 

" Washixgtox, August 9th, 1857. 
"It is Jules who now does the marketing, and I can tell you that there 
is a very great difference in our expenses, in having the same things, in 
the same quantity but of a better quality. * * * ^" 

Julius to Mariquitta's Mother. 

"Washington, Sept. 22nd, 1857. 
" My dear Mother, 

"We are delighted with the good news we have lately received from 
you, and to hear that even Madeleine is growing stronger. For the last 
two weeks Mariquitta had improved so rapidly, and I was beginning to 
think my fears about her were at an end, when suddenly she was taken 
very sick, for five days, and became so very weak, that all my old anxieties 
sprung up anew. But for the past week she is much better, so much 
better, that I hope she will regain all her strength. 

" We are leading a very quiet life, go out but little, and devote oui'selves 
entirely to our children. All three are very well ; Louis was a little 
indisposed for a fcAv days, but nothing serious, and is now entirely i-ecov- 
ered. He has grown much plumper, and is improving in every way. He 
is very cute, very quick, and vei-y intelligent, and sometimes, when his 
teeth bother him more than usual, is fearfully bad. He is very fond of 
me, but becomes easily angry with me; because I wish him to learn to 
obey me, and this costs him a great deal. It is amusing to see his look 
of indignation when I sometimes scold him severely. He gives me an 
injured look, regards me steadily, as if to say '■Is it possible f then his 
little lips quiver, and he bursts into tears. After having cried for some 
time, he extends his little arms towards me ; for he cannot be consoled, 
Avithout reconciling himself with me. 

" Since two days he can stand all alone, without holding on to any 
thing ; and I am expecting, from day to day, to sec him walk. 

" Marie and Na are a little bit more obedient ; they are both very sweet, 
and more affectionate than ever. Frequently during the day, Marie feels 
called upon to say to me, ' Papa, you love me? me love you, Avith all my 
heart.' Each time that their Mamma pretends to address me abusive 
language, or gives me small kicks, they both rush to my assistance and 
warmly take my part. 

" I find but one consolation, in a series of things which makes me look 
upon my house Avith horror at times — it is, that I see the perspective of a 
great reduction in our expenses ; for my little Marie plainly announced to 
us her preference for a little house in the yard, in which she intends living 
henceforth with Na. 

" Mariquitta hunts up auctions with her habitual energy, and reads the 
announcements Avith as much interest as ever. I do not oppose her; on 
the contrary, I am more disposed to encourage her taste for a literature, in 
every respect so moral. I decidedly prefer this, to seeing her fill her head 



312 BIOORAPIIY OF 

witli 'Lcs ConJiJcmrs de Lanuirthie,' ami tlien ooining and ovcrwhi'liu- 
ing mo for several days thereafter with reproaches, because I have not 
'the heart for lovinij her, as^ it ap|5ears, Mr. de Laniartine says ^ he loved 
the wife of another ?«(?«.' Although not understanding dearly how to 
imitate Mr. de Lamartiue exactly, I feel nevertheless convinced tliat Nature 
lias not rendered me capable ; for a heart, so tender, does not fall to the 
lot of every man ; and a man. who knows how to love so passionately 
another man's wife, nuist certainly have cherished his own (that is to be 
taken for granted), with a tenderness ttneqiiaUid by othex's. Please try 
and exjdain this to my poor 3Iari([uitta. 

"Embrace all the family for me and believe me, dear Mamma, 

" Your devoted son, 

'• Jui.es." 

Some time previously an Officer of the Army, a very hanil- 
some and wealthy man, by name Schaumberg, resigned from the 
service as a 2nd Lieut, of Dragoons. Just before his resigna- 
tion was accepted he was by lineal rank entitled to promotion as 
a 1st. Ijientenant, though his resionatiou was irranted onlv as a 
2ud l.(ieutenant. Ho contested the case for a long time with the 
Government, claiming that he should have received his promo- 
tion prior to the acceptance of his resignation. Many able re- 
ports of the very best Officers, such as Col. Freeman, Julius' 
}>redecessor in the Office, and of others had been rendered in tiie 
matter, but still the case came up, time and again, until finally 
it reached Julius' hands. He took up all the pai)ers relating to 
it, which were voluminous, examined them carefully and then 
made his report; and so masterly was it that Schaumberg was 
uever more heard of on the subject. He was perfectly satisfied 
with the decision of Julius. 

Ou Sunday, June 20th, 18-38, Mariquitta presented Julius 
with her third boy, Edgar Jean Daniel. The baby was bap- 
tized at St. Matthew's Church on the following Tuesday, its 
Godparents being its Aunt, Marie de Laiireal, and Mr. Jno. T, 
Doyle who was represented by Mr. llichard G. Lay, — both 
intimate friends of Julius. 

The beautiful boy did not live long, he only came to gladden 
his fond parents' hearts for a little while, and then returned to 
the bosom of his Maker, to join his little angel brother and 
sister in the angelic choir. He died at Washington on the 
night of the 25tli of November, 1858, an hour before midnight, 



LIEUT, col. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 313 

and his little corpse was interred amid the sobs and tears of all 
who had known and learned to love his sweet little self, in the 
Catholic cemetery of Mt. Olivet, near the City. 

He received the third part of liis name — Daniel — after Kev. 
Daniel Lynch of the Society of Jesus, stationed at Gonzaga 
College, and a very intimate friend of his father and his most 
intimate one among the clergy of the City. They had formed 
a strong friendship for one another, — only broken, but not de- 
stroyed by Julius' subsequent death. 

Julius whilst busy all day at his official duties in the AVar 
Department, and devoted as he was to his family, nevertheless 
did not allow his time to pass by without also following the dic- 
tates of his charitable heart. Every evening after his dinner 
he would visit some poor family and minister to their wants. 
He was the principal founder in Washington of the Society of 
St. Vincent de Paul, that admirable Association, originally 
founded by the sainted Frederick Ozanain in May 1833, and 
whose main object is the visiting of the jwor, the sick and un- 
fortunate, irrespective of religion, and assisting them tempo- 
rarily, and spiritually, likewise, if needs be. Julius had never 
forgotten the early lessons of charity his good and affectionate 
Mother had tried to instill into his youthful mind ; and now, as 
always before and subsequently, he loved to perform good and 
charitable deeds, through love of his Divine Redeemer, though 
feiv knew of them. For he never spoke of what he did, his 
deeds were known to but a very few, he was too humble in 
mind to wish to parade them ; and this is true Charity — to do 
good to^ our neighbor and then endeavor to forget our good 
action, lest it occasion pride in our hearts. 

The first Conference of the Society established in Washington 
was that of St. Matthew's Parish, in June 1859, and Julius was 
chosen its Vice President, and Mr. Richard H. Clarke, Presi- 
dent. The Conference was aggregated to the Society of St. 
Vincent de Paul throughout the world on the 25th of March 
1860, feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 
when the members in a body attended Mass and received Holy 
Communion. 

Julius was seldom absent from any of the meetings, and then 



314 BIOORAPllY OF 

only iiiinvoidiihly. lie was often appointed on Committees for 
charitable and varions other pnrposes. 

At the nsnal meeting on Snnday, Augnst 28, 1850, lie called 
attention to (he case of a poor colored in:in, (ico. llnnter, sick 
and in great distress, residing in an alley between 13th and 14th 
streets. The qnestion of caste then ran very high. At the next 
meeting he again called attention to this same case; whercnpon 
a qnestion of donbt arose as to the propriety of adopting it, 
Tinnier being a colored man and there being in existence a (col- 
ored So(;i('(y of St. Vincent de Panl. The Spiritual Director, 
llev. Chas. d. White, Pastor of St. INIatthew's Chnrch, sng- 
gested that it be taken np anyhow, as if no snch colored organ- 
ization existed, and on motion it was decided to adopt it, and a 
certain snm ont of the Society's fnnds was appropriated for the 
relief ol" Jlnn((>r, to be expendiul by Capt. (jiaresch6. 

This poor colored man was the first permanent beneficiary of 
the Conference. 

At fonr snbsetpient meetings money was appropriated out of 
the Society's fnnds and given to Jnlius to expend for Hunter's 
relief. 

On October 23d, 1850, ho announced the death of their col- 
ored beneficiary and, in accordance with the rules of the Society, 
the "X^t: J^roJ'niull.s^ was recited in Hunter's behalf. 

At a meeting held on February 12, 18G0, Julius moved that 
the Conference take the necessary steps to call a meeting of the 
Catholics ol' the City for the purpose of raising [)(>cuniary relii'f 
for His Holiness, I'ojie l*ius the Ninth, and expressing their 
sym])athy for him in his existing dinicnlties. 

In November of 18G0, the Conference of St. Patrick's Parish 
was organized, and Julius being unanimously chosen its Presi- 
dent and feelinix satisfied thai, he could be of more assistance in 
this new organization than in the already well established onc^ of 
St. Mattlu'w's, he resigncil from the latter, and his resignation 
was announceil by JNlr. Clarke, the President, at the following 
meeting on Sunday, December 2nd. 

Julius' manner of condueling all matters pertaining to the 
Society was so thorough and his charity so boundless, as to ex- 
cite the admiration and sincere respect of all his brother mem- 



LIEUT. COJj. JULIUS P. aARESCIIK. 31 5 

bers, wlio fell inspired hy his example lo ])racti(;(! some of that 
zeal and fervor that inflamed his own heart. lOvcn when 
shortly afterwards the tei-rible Civil War broke; out and his 
official duties were; in consequence increased to the extent of 
scarcely giving him a moment's rejjose, he yet never forgot the 
poor and unfortunate. Jfe still busied himself about their 
needs. 

Not only did he preside at the meetings of the Society l)ut he 
also visited the poor and distressed, conversed with and consoled 
them, read to them, and in a thousand and one ways strove to 
alleviate their miseries. TFe became their counsellor and almost 
tiieir father. 

On one occasion, learning that a poor old colored man was 
very ill with the Small-})ox, and that he lay all alone in his 
little hovel in the alley back of his own house, every one of the 
old man's race having lied from his contagious disease, Julius 
went at once to the sick man's bedside and nursed him, with all 
the tenderness of a woman, all through his terrible illness — even 
overcoming his repugnance of flesh so far as to hold the basin 
while the dying man vomited. And he, the refiiuid and gentle- 
manly Officer, performed the most menial offices for this unfor- 
tunate creature. During the long and terrible agony preceding 
his death Julius held him in his arms, administering words of 
consolation and hope, and when the last exi)iring breath left the 
body he with his own hands laid it out reverentially. 'J'hen he 
went to an undertaker's, Iwught a coffim, in which he himself 
placed the remains, and thereafter ibl lowed tlu^m, the. only 
mourner, to their last resting place, paying all the funeral and 
other expenses out of his own pocket. When remonstrated by 
his wife as to the danger he thus exposed himself and his family, 
he answered, that he had not done all this for ])leaHinT!, but simply 
because he felt it to be his duty, illustrating his remark by men- 
tioning that he had himself held the basin while the sick man 
vomited. 

This was not the only instance where Julius nursed a sick 
colored man. During the i)eriod when the Small-pox was raging 
in Washington he went among the poorer classes stricken with 
this loathsome and terrible disease, colored as avcH as white, 



316 BIOGRAPHY OF 

nursing and alleviating in every possible way their affliction. 
Not sparing himself he was indefatigable in their regard. 

Even at the present time such an instance of charity would 
be accounted as almost a wonder, how much greater then must 
it have been when the colored race were universally scorned, 
when the distinction of caste was so severe, that he could not 
perform in the eyes of the world a more humiliating act! 

In his charitable love Julius never questioned the uncertain 
Future, but always gave freely and abundantly when called 
upon ; never stinting his alms, but giving away all that was not 
absolutely necessary for the wants of his own family. 

Some years afterwards, while the members of St. Matthew's 
Conference w^ere assembled at one of their regular meetings and 
were speaking of different members who had belonged to their 
Conference but were now dead, one of the gentlemen present 
mentioned the following incident concerning Julius. 

Late one night, in the middle of Winter, possibly about 12 
o'clock, he was wakened from a sound and refreshing sleep by 
hearing a knock at the front door. Partially dressing himself 
and feeling in no very pleasant mood w'ith being aroused at such 
an unseemly hour he went down stairs, opened the door, and to 
his intense amazement discovered his visitor to be no other than 
Capt. Garesch^. At once all his feelings of rising anger disap- 
peared, for, like all the other members of their Conference, he 
loved and admired the noble Captain, who now informed him 
that he had come to ask him to accompany himself to visit a 
sick man, whose name was on the relief book of the Conference, 
and whose family he did not think had any fuel to warm their 
poor bodies. 

'Twas a most bitter night and these people lived at the ex- 
treme northern end of 14th street, which was then an almost 
impassable swamp and decidedly disagreeable in every way. He 
had decidedly no inclination to go out there on such a night, but 
then he had too much respect for Capt. Garesche to refuse him 
any thing, and moreover, as the Visiting Committee of their 
Conference, they went in company very often on such errands 
of mercy and charity. Accordingly excusing himself he went 
up stairs, finished his dressing and off they started. On their 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 317 

way they stopped at Capt. Garesche's, and filling a large basket 
with coal and kindling, together carried it all the way, occasion- 
ally having to pause and rest themselves, and were nearly dead 
with fatigue when they reached the sick man's shanty. Their 
feet were sopping wet and he himself contracted a cold which 
lasted for some two weeks. 

He felt repaid, however, for his arduous labors on reaching 
their destination. Their coming indeed seemed providential and 
almost as if the Captain had felt a presentiment of the truth ; 
for they found the unfortunate family totally unprovided with 
any fuel, and shivering in their scanty garments. 

Remarks of Col. Richard F. O'Beirne, U. S. A. 

" My recollections of the revered and lamented Col. Garesch6 only go 
back to about 1856, at which time he was on duty in the War Department. 
Although we occasionally met, it was not until sometime in 1859 we came 
together as members of the first Conference of the Society of St. Vincent 
de Paul, Avhich was established in St. Matthew's parish — of which he was 
elected Vice President. Shortly after this, however, a Conference of the 
Society was created in St. Patrick's parish, and as he was unanimously 
elected its President, he separated from that of St. Matthew's. 

" Although our Conferences were assigned to different portions of Wash- 
ington, I heard frequently of his zealous and efficient work among the 
poor. 

" I remember on one occasion he discovered a poor, forlorn negro who 
had been taken down with the Small-pos and who was left in a miserable 
hovel alone to die — being forsaken even by his wife and family. Col. 
Garesche at once took charge of him, nursed him and had the satisfaction 
of seeing him recover. 

"When his good wife accidentally learned of what he was doing — by 
noticing that he changed his clothing before coming into the house — and 
began to chide him for the risk he ran of not only taking the disease him- 
self but of bringing the fearful infliction into his own family, he gently 
replied that there was no one else to look after the poor man if he had not 
done so, and he also assured her that ' God would take care of her and her 
little ones.' 

" There was no member of the Conference more earnest in increasing 
its good works and who not only labored hard himself but encouraged 
others to do so. 

" I remember once telling him about a particularly sad case that I had 
charge of, and although my part in it was nothing compared with that 
which he was constantly doing, yet he praised me and made me feel I had 
done a good work." 



318 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Julius' Articles on "Executive Power over the Army" and "Law of 

Divorce." 

In May 1858 Julius wrote the following able article to the 
Editor of the New York Freeman's Journal and it appeared in 
the columns of the first page of that paper of the succeeding 
Saturday, May 22, 1858. 

"EXECUTIVE rOWER OVER THE ARMY. 

"' I believe the ])()wer, hero declared, is a high one, and in some respects a dan- 
gerous one.' — Madison. — JJcbule on tlic J'renlilcnt'u mdv j>i>(i'cr i>j' removhuj j^rum 
office, 

"To THE Editoh 01' THE N. Y. Freeman's Jouknal: 

"I would fsiin say ii few words — and if you could spare me the room, 
should prefer doing so in your much esteemed JOURNAL — upon a sub- 
ject whicli I consider of no little importance to the future liberties of the 
country, and which, though mncii discussed, has certainly never yet been 
very satisfactorily settled. I refer to the question, ' Has the President a 
legal right to dismiss, without trial, an oflicer of the army?' 

"Those who have taken the allirmativo in the discussion, maintain their 
point on three grounds, viz: 1st. On the construction given by Congress 
to the President's constitutional power over the executive officers of gov- 
ernment, in the debate upon the bill to establish the 'Department of 
Foreign Affairs,' in the year 178U, June lOth, etc. 2d. On the words, 
found in every ollicer's commission, ' tliis commission to continue in force 
during the pleasure of the President of the United States for the time 
being.' 3d. On the clause at the end of the lltii Articli- of AVar, which 
says, 'nor shall a commissioned olliuer be discliargod the service but by 
order of the President of the United States, or by sentence of a General 
Court IMartial.' 

" 1st. Tlu)se who deny the power, reply to the first point that the ques- 
tion debated on that occasion was, exclusively, as to the President's power 
to displace a civil, executive oflicer; that there is a wide and essential 
difference between the cases of civil and military ollicers, in that the latter 
are subject to a distinct penal code, which minutely defines all the offenses 
of which they may be guilty in their official capacity, and prescribes the 
punishment which may be inflicted for each; and that the determination 
of the (juestiun, as regards the former, consequently settles nothing what- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 319 

ever in respect to the latter, since these were not more concerned in the 
discussion tlian were the judicial officers of the Government, and Avore, 
therefore, just as little affocted ])y its result. 

"Tills reply is undouljtedly good. The only question really settled, 
upon that occasion, if any, was one aflectin^i; a civil, executive officer. liut 
I will venture to assert, that no one can attentively study the reports of 
that debate, witiiout feeling convinced that the weight, both of precedent 
and argument, was <lecidely in favor of those who denied, on constitutional 
grounds, the existence of this unlimited and exclusive power in the Presi- 
dent over the civil officers of the Government; for, as the Constitution is 
avowedly silent upon the subject, and since the power was acknowledged 
to be an implied one, the next direct and natural source from which to 
im]ily it would certainly seem to have been the correlative power of ap- 
pointment, so far as expressed in the Constitution. But if so, the conclu- 
sion is irresistible, that the measure of the appointing power must also 
constitute the measure of the removing power. 

"Mr. Madison's principal argument in favor of declaring this power in 
the President was derived, it is true, from those words in the Constitution, 
which say, 'The executive power shall be vested in a i*resident of the 
United States;' but the strange inconsistency of this argument will not 
fail to strike any one who recollects, as Mr. Madison himself must have 
recollected, that the Constitution, using the same identical language, says, 
in another place, 'The judicial power of the United States shall be vested 
in one Supreme Court, and in such inferior courts as Congress may, from 
time to time, ordain and establish.' Now, as Mr. Madison would have 
been the last person in the world to argue that, by this phrase, all judicial 
power not expressly excepted was vested in the judiciary of the United 
States, how could he maintain that, in virtue of a similar phrase, all exec- 
utive power not expressly excepted was vested in the President of the 
United States? Yet such was, in fact, the substance of his argument — an 
argument acknowledged on all hands, to have been the very best, too, that 
was offered on that side of the question. Surely, then, no Vjetter evidence 
need be offered to show that the Constitution does not imply this power 
in the President, than the simple fact that one of the great and luminous 
mind of Mr. Madison should have been reduced to such a shift as this in 
the endeavor to uphold his position ! 

'"Tlie truth is, that by the majority of Congress the Constitution was 
deemed to be, in this respect, defective; the co-operation of the Senate 
was thought to be both inexpedient and dangerous ; and to remedy the 
defect, and overcome the inconvenience, a forced construction was put 
upon the Constitution I Such, in a few words, is the plain history of the 
matter. 

"However, as I am not discussing here the President's power over the 
civil ollicers of the Government, and as, moreover, my own opinion is that 
Congress has, under the Constitution, the same power given it to organize 



320 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the suboi'dinato executive dopa\-tments of the Government, and to provide 
for the removal of the oHicers thus created, as to organize inferior courts 
of judicature, I shall not quarrel further with the decision. ^ly sole ob- 
ject is to show that Congress did not, at the time, mean to give, and did 
not give, to the President this power over the officers of the Army ; and 
this I prove unanswerably, I think, by the fact that, at the very same ses- 
sion of the same Congress, and only throe montiis later (see act of Sept. 
29, 17S9, sec. 4, Iletzol's JNIilitary Laws, and Resolutions of Congress 
of May 31, 17S6, of art. 13 Iletz. JNIil. Laws, p. 36), a law was enacted de- 
claring explicitly that ' no commissioned officer of the Army shall be cash- 
iered or dismissed from the service excepting hij order of Congress, or by 
sentence of a General Court Martial.' 

" 2d. The reply to the second point has been, that though a similar form 
of words, originally occurring in the British armj^ commission, had been, 
with some necessary modifications, adopted by the Continental Congress, 
yet their introduction into our present commission, closely copied, not 
from the Continental but from the British original, with the mere substi- 
tution of the word ' President' for ' King,' was Avholly unauthorized, and, 
being without any sanction of law, was equally void of meaning as of 
effect. 

'' This is so clearly true, tliat it is no eas^' matter even to conceive how 
words of such weighty import could ever have crept into the military 
commission of a people so jealous as our own of the power of their Ex- 
ecutive over the military forces of the country. But Iiow these words 
should have been permitted to remain there down to this late day, is abso- 
lutely incomprehensible ! For, if these words are to be allowed any 
weight, they must be, certainly, allowed that due to their natural signifi- 
cation, which is perfectly clear and unambiguous. They mean, if any 
thing, that the commission is to hold good only so long as it may suit the 
pleasure — or, in other words, the whim, caprice, or intent of the President 
to let it stand. And their effect is, consequently, to degrade the officer 
from being a responsible servant of the Republic, into a mere armed crea- 
ture and instrument of the President's will ! 

'• Now, it needs no argument to show that the attribution to the Presi- 
dent of the United States of such a despotic and unbounded power over 
the officers of our Army is radically repugnant to the spirit of our free 
institutions ; and it may well be doubted, tiiorefore, whether it Avould not 
be void of effect even if it had the sanction of Congress. 

"3d. In answer to the third point, it has been, in the first place, urged 
that the word ^ discharged,^ in the 11th Article of War, has a more general 
signification than that of 'dismissed' only, since it includes all the modes 
in which an officer's connection with the service may be terminated, 
whether by resignation, disbandment, or dismissal; in all of which, the 
President's order discharging him is the officer's warrant for quitting the 
service, and without which he might be reputed a deserter. To Avhich 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 321 

might bo added, also, that the apparent object of tliis article is not to de- 
fine the powers of the President, Init, on the contrary, to restrict those of 
subordinate authorities, ex. gr., generals commanding armies in the field, 
who might otherwise have continued to discharge officers, on tender- of 
their resignations, agreeably to the known custom of service during the 
Revolutionary War. 

" But the above reasoning can be made still more conclusive by a refer- 
ence to the history of this article. It will be recollected, that the power 
to dismiss, or cashier officers without trial, was undoubtedly possessed by 
Congress, under the old Confederation, among other sovereign powers 
delegated to it by the States. It is even expressly recognized in the old 
articles of war. But we must not fall into the error, however, of supposing 
that it derived its sanction thence ; for Congress could not, by its own act, 
have arrogated to itself powers not conceded to it. The right existed prior 
to, and independently of, the article, and the article can only be cited, 
therefore, as evidence of the affirmation of the right. Hence, were we 
even to suppose this 11th Article of the present code to have conformed 
so closely to the old. Continental 13th Article, on which it was modeled, 
as to have run, 'nor shall any commissioned officer be cashiered, or dis- 
missed, etc., excepting by order of the President,' etc. — though here would 
have been some evidence to show that such a power was understood to 
reside in the President — yet would it have been mere evidence of the ex- 
istence of such a grant of power — not the grant itself, however. And 
comparatively useless evidence, I may add, too, since it would have fur- 
nished us with no idea of the extent or measure of the granted power. 
And for this, we should consequently have had to look elsewhere. 

''Otherwise — and should we admit that the article, in its supposed form,, 
instead of being, as it really is, a prohibitory or restraining statute, were 
one actually conveying to the President the full grant of a power to dis- 
miss, at his pleasure, the commissioned officers of the Army — it would 
necessarily follow, that the same power was conveyed to any General 
Court Martial ; for the two are named in such close conjunction, that any 
implication allccting the one would equally apply to the other. But a 
power so arbitrary and unlimited has never been claimed for a General 
Court Martial, and, besides, would be in direct conflict with other express 
provisions of law, such as Articles 2d, 3d, 15th, and 24th of the Articles 
of War. 

" But does the 11th Article run in this supposed form? So far from it, 
that instead of repeating the words ' cashiered,' or ' dismissed,' used in the 
Continental Article, it has substituted for these the word '' discharged y a 
word which, though it may, and even does, include the two other mean- 
ings, has, in ordinary military parlance, however, another and much 
milder signification; which substitution would certainly justify an infer- 
ence that the power to dismiss officers without trial was altogether and 
designedly withheld from the President. 

21 



322 • BIOGRAPHY OF 

"And the presumption is fortified by a glance at the intermediate 
changes in this Article. It has been already stated that the old Continen- 
tal Articles of War— among which the 13th, declaring that 'no commis- 
sioned officer of the Army shall be cashiered or dismissed from the service 
excepting by order of Congress, or by sentence of a General Court Mar- 
tial' — were re-enacted, without change, by the first Congress which assem- 
bled under the Constitution (see Act of Sept. 29, 1789, IletzePs Mil. Laws, 
p. 41). The next year, however (see Act of April 30, 1790, sec. 13, Ilet- 
zel, p. 44), as if beginning to perceive that the old Articles of War, in 
reserving to Congress the chief executive authority over the Army, were 
no longer in harmony with the new Constitution, which withdrew all 
executive power from the legislative body, Congress, though it once more 
re-enacted these old Articles, yet added the proviso, ' as far as the same 
may be applicable to the Constitution of the United States.'' Which clause 
was repeated in the Act of March 3, 1795 (sec. 14, Iletz., p. 60) ; and 
again, in that of May 30, 1796 (sec. 20, Hetz.. p. 66) ; until finally, by 
Act of April 10, 1800 (Iletz., p. 109), the present 11th Article was substi- 
tuted for the old 13th. 

"Now, I pray you, mark the length of this period, of no less than sev- 
enteen years, which elapsed before the passage of the Act of 1806, and 
note how often, in that time, the subject appeai-s to have engaged the 
attention of Congress, and then tell me if this strong reluctance, this 
long and evident hesitation, on the part of that body, before it could 
be induced to make a formal surrender of this power, of which it, yet, 
had been so clearly divested, do not afford unequivocal proofs of a fear 
entertained, lest the President should claim it, and of an unwillingness 
to entrust it to him. And, when, in addition to this, we advert to 
the very remarkable substitution of words made in the 11th Article, how 
is it possible to resist a perfect conviction, that, in so far as respects 
ofienses created by the military code, the power was purposely and ex- 
pressly withheld from him? 

"I, therefore, distinctly maintain that, in pursuance of its constitutional 
powers, ' to make rules for the government and regulation of the land and 
naval forces,' and ' to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper 
for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other j^owcrs 
vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in 
any department or officer thereof^ Congress had the right, and has exer- 
cised it, of defining all the offenses of which an officer of the army might 
be guilty, in his official capacity, and of providing for the punishment of 
the same ; and that, in doing so, it has confided the award of punishment 
to Genei'al Courts Martial exclusively, and even gone so far as to prescribe 
the limit of punishment to be inflicted. 

"But how, if an officer be guilty of murder, arson, burglary, rape, for- 
gery, or any other felony, since these are cases not covered by the Articles 
of War, is he to retain his commission in the army? The reply is not 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 323 

difficult. The only power possessed by Congress in respect to such 
offenses, is that of providing for the removal of the offender from office, 
in the event of his conviction by an authorized tribunal. But as this 
power has never been exercised, the matter rests just where it was left by 
the Constitution ; and the officer may, consequently, be removed by the 
President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. So, likewise, 
of the case of an officer who absents himself from all duty, sets his supe- 
riors at deBance, and refuses to be tried. Tiiese, and the case provided 
for by Act of January 31, 1823, are the only exceptions of which I am 
prepared to admit. 

" But, returning once more to the subject of official misconduct, let us 
now test, by a hasty comparison with the Articles of War, this asserted 
right of the President to dismiss an officer of the army. I will no longer- 
feay at his pleasure, but even at his discretion, however wise or just it 
may be. 

1. "When the law has, as here, so carefully defined all the offenses 
for which an officer may be dismissed, and so explicitly provided, that 
punishment shall be awarded according to the judgment of a Court Mar- 
tial, and since it is a recognized maxim, that where the law has prescribed 
the penalty for an offense, and established a tribunal for the trial of the 
offender, that penalty may not be exceeded, nor the offender summarily 
punished, without a breach of law, upon what principle can the President 
claim to supplant this legally established tribunal, or, where it has exer- 
cised jurisdiction, and rendered judgment, presume to set aside its sen- 
tence, and substitute his own? 

2. " Since the President is, confessedly, not empowered to commute the 
sentence of a Court Martial, still less to add to it, how much less can he 
be supposed authorized to increase it to the utmost limit of severity and 
disgrace, short of death itself? And yet, if what is claimed for him to be 
true, he can, at any time, and in lieu of the most trifling punishment 
awarded by a Court Martial, inflict the highest one of dismissal, though 
yet, at the same time, wholly impotent to substitute one of intermediate 
gravity ! 

3. "This asserted power conflicts positively with the 15th Article of 
War, which exacts proof by ' two witnesses,'' before even a Court Martial 
can sentence the offender to be cashiered. 

4. " It is irreconcilable with the right, vested by law in the general 
commanding an army, or colonel commanding a sepai'ate department, of 
confirming, and having executed a lesser sentence than dismissal, ad- 
judged by a court of his own ordering, and is still more at variance with 
his right o? pardoning or mitigating said sentence (see Art. 65). 

5. " It would wholly override the 88th Article, the military statute of 
limitations. And thus it is seen to be more or less subversive of the 
whole military code, whilst, lastly, containing within itself an element of 
the most unmitigated absurdity. 



324 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"For the last limit o^ a power is thus attributed to the President, of 
Avhich, it is acknowledged, that he does not possess a single infei'ior degree. 
Tliat is to say, that, whilst there is no one who pretends that he could, at 
his discretion, suspend an officer of the armj^ from rank or pay, for any 
limited period, it is 3'et contended that he can do so for an indefinite 
period, or, in other words, dismiss the officer from both, forever! 

"Have I not more than proved, then, that this implied poAver of the 
President over the arnn* is at open antagonism with the Articles of War; 
and would, if admitted, completely nullify and avoid them? And yet, be 
it remembered, that the Articles of War, enacted by Congress, in pursu- 
ance of its constitutional powers before cited, are supposed to be ' the 
supreme law of the land,' Of what nature, then, must be this claim of 
more than royal prerogative, before which the supreme law of our repul)- 
lioan land is required to lower its drooping banners, and bow itself into 
the dust! Need words be any farther wasted upon the argument of its 
illegality? 

" And yet, wretched and unsightly as is thus shown to be the legal com- 
plexion of this question, its political complexion is even yet more unpre- 
pi^ssessing ; for it must be obvious to the most ordinary comprehension, 
that the natural effect of arming the President with an unlimited and 
despotic power over the commissions of officers — whether in the wa^ of 
promotion or ranoval — must be, insensibly, to convert the army into that 
supple, servile, and unscrupulous engine of oppression, so earnestly 
dreaded by our fathers, and against Avhich they so carefull}' labored to 
guard themselves. So plain a proposition can call for no demonstration 
at my hands. But, in view of such a result, would it not be well to in- 
quire whether, when the principle of an independent judiciary has ever 
been, and so very justly, considered one of paramount importance, there 
may not be the same sort of reason, and almost an equal necessity of pro- 
tecting the officers of the army, that other coercive arm of the federal 
power, from the undue influence of the executive? For, let us examine a 
little into the two cases. 

"The judge, we know, if removed from office, has still his profession to 
fall back upon ; a profession which, perhaps, of all others in this country, 
is the most remunerative. But the officer of the army, if removed, loses 
his only profession; hence, his commission must be of infinitelj' more 
value to him, more indispensable; and the temptation to subserviency in 
his case will be, of course, much greater. This is not all. however ; for 
note how much easier it is for the President to exercise a dangerous power 
over the army. The judiciary being de jure and de facto independent of 
him, he is not left the shadow of a pretext for assuming any power over 
it; not even covertly can he approach the judges to this end, with any 
unworthy purpose. If at all, he must do it openly, and the attempted 
corruption, or abuse of power, would be so glaring and manifest as to be 
easily repelled. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 305 

" Far otherwise stands the case with the army, however. The President 
is its constitutional head. All officers of the army take an oath that they 
Avill ' observe and obey his orders,' with the qualification, it is true, that 
they will do sO ' according to the rules and articles of war,' which only 
require them to obey the lawful orders of their military superiors. But, 
as the intelligence of an officer of the army will be seldom equal to that 
of a judge, as he is comparatively little exercised in questions of law or 
political right, how can it be expected that he will, in doubtful casos, 
knowing that the President, whom he offends, is to be his sole judge, ven- 
ture to oppose his own consciously imperfect judgment to that of this 
lawful superior, and that he will thus surely peril his commission and the 
welfare of his family, upon the uncertain and improbable contingency that 
the elect of a whole nation is violating the very laws which he had sworn 
faithfully to execute. 

" It is not reasonable to expect it. Yet, that such cases may occur, even 
under a tried and honest President, cannot be doubted ; for the wisest and 
best of men may err. Is there no question now before the country, out 
of which such a case might grow? 

" Sir, it appears to me that we are gradually losing sight of the great 
landmarks of liberty, set up by our wise and patriotic fathers ; that we 
are fast drifting out to sea upon a tide of centralized power, which will 
carry us yet, God knows whither ! And I am urged to make the observa- 
tion in this place, from the belief that few things have more contributed 
to bring about this state of degeneracy, than the corrupting system of 
'rotation in office,' which has been so far facilitated by the doctrine of the 
President's sole power of removal, and which, in its turn, has quickened 
into life an innumerable spawn of mercenary office seekers, into whose 
hands the whole administration of the country is rapidly passing. 

"What would the fathers say, sir, could they return, and see men piti- 
lessly turned out of office, not for malfeasance, not for neglect of duty, 
nor even for incompetency, but simply because of an honest difference 
of judgment upon some question, vitally affecting, as they may think, 
the liberties of their country, and upon which they may have been so 
imprudent, as to exercise the freeman's right of uttering an opinion. Or 
what, should they learn, that the same power is held to extend equally 
over the army and navy, to be exercised over both, perhaps, at some future 
day ! 

"Let Mr. Madison answer for the rest, in the very language used by 
him in that debate, which is supposed to have furnished the authoi'ity for 
the system. 

" ' I say, will he (the President) bid defiance to all th^e considerations, 
and wantonly dismiss a meritorious and virtuous officer? Such abuse of 
power exceeds my conception.' And again : 

" ' What will be the motives which the President can feel for such abuse 
of his power and the restraints that operate to prevent it? In the first 



326 BIOORAPHY OF 

place, he will be impeachable by this house, before the Senate, for such an 
act of maladministration : FOR, I CONTEND, THAT THE WANTON 
r>EMOYAL OF MERITORIOUS OFFICERS WOULD SUBJECT IIDI 
TO IMPEACHMENT AND RExMOVAL FROM HIS OWN HIGH 
TRUST.' 

" Catholiccs." 

In the latter part of 1859, in September, Julius published the 
following most interesting article on the Law of Divorce, — a 
question then as now agitating the public mind — in the October 
number of Brownsou's Quarterly Review. It displays a great 
depth of theological as well as legal knowledge, though few 
would know who its gifted author was ; for it is simply signed 
with his initials "J. P. G." His humility of heart again would 
not permit him to write out his name. 

/'ART. IV.— DIVORCE AND OUR DIVORCE LAWS. 

" 'Let not man part what God hath joined.' 

"Although it is chiefly from the religious point of view, that we should 
consider the sulyect of divorce, since, if prohibited by God, there ought at 
once to be an end of the toleration accorded to it by human laws, — yet, 
we have not the slightest objection, for our own part, to seeing it tried and 
judged upon the single issue of its social effects, believing, as we do, that 
it is utterly indefensible in every aspect under which it can be viewed, 
whether human or divine. We propose, therefore, in the first place, to 
examine its effects upon the married, and adults generally, children and 
the parental relations, and society at large, and afterwards to glance at the 
Scriptural doctrine on tliis subject. 

•'If people would approach without prejudice this important question, 
and in a spirit of candor reflect on that wonderful disposition of our nature 
to make the best of what cannot be helped or remedied — that disposition, 
by which it is enabled to accommodate itself so cheerful!}- to all the vary- 
ing circumstances of clime and situtition, nay, even of pain, privation, and 
hardship, to which it may be exposed, they might easily find, it seems to us, 
a sufiicient ground for believing that, after all, no surer moans could possibly 
have been devised, for increasing the general sum of married happiness, than 
that of making marriage permanent and indissoluble. For, whatever the 
nonsense with which those, who defend divorce, delude themselves or beguile 
their dupes in relation to the so-called ' spiritual or passional affinities,' and 
other fanciful inventions of a like sort, there is yet one fact, which can never 
be gotten over ; one stubborn fact, rooted in the experience and confirmed by 
the testimony of six thousand years, and which is in irreconcilable contra- 
diction to all their theories, namely, that never from the days of the first 
radiant pair, who came forth fresh from the hand of God, down to our 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 327 

own degenerate times, has there yet been united a couple, however perfect, 
congenial, or deeply enamored of each other, whose mutual imperfections 
have not in return called for as much mutual forbearance. In the face of 
this positive fact, of the known infirmity of human nature, what can be 
worse than to keep constantly before the eyes of all married people the 
tantalizing assurance, that, in order to be freed from a bond that occa- 
sionally will chafe, they have only to set up a plea of ' incompatibility of 
temper,' or other equally transparent and frivolous pretence? What can 
more eflPectually do away with the chief inducement to forbearance, that 
can have influence with our fallen nature, and place a temptation and a 
snare before even the best intentioned? And, while the one may be cloyed 
■with possession, and the other faded, ailing, perhaps a little peevish withal, 
but all as a very consequence of marriage, what effort is likely to be made 
to bear vrith what may for the moment be trying, and to resist the temp- 
tation to sepai'ate? 

" And, yet, this is but one of the many evil consequences likely to follow 
from a policy favored by our legislation. Another, and even a worse con- 
sequence, is to destroy, little by little, the delicate flower of chastity in the 
heart of the married. It is a sad mistake, to suppose that the fires of con- 
cupiscence are quenched by marriage : the truth is, that the married have 
need to exercise almost as vigilant a guard over their eyes and thoughts 
as the single, in order to preserve their conjugal fidelity, perfect purity of 
feeling, and continence from lawless desire. If the married are permitted 
to feel that they are not in the least debarred from the hope of a future 
possession of the attractive and engaging among the other sex, into whose 
company they are daily and hourly thrown, it is but natural that they 
should occasionally seek to please them, and thus, that new loves and 
longings should insensibly grow up, laying the very foundation, perhaps, 
for all that pretended ' incompatibility of temper' which may afterwards 
be falsely pleaded, as no less the originally subsisting cause, than present 
motive, for dissolving a union, which, previously, may have been just as 
harmonious as any other. And, gradually, as the example spreads, the 
facilities for divorce are increased, and public opinion becomes more de- 
praved. May it not come, next, to pass, that even young girls, who should 
ever be the representatives of all that is most pure in society, and whom 
we now expect to see spurning the attentions of a married man as an out- 
rage upon their maiden dignity, will then, instead of repelling, be them- 
selves the first to encourage them? For, what should hinder them from 
seeking after a union with the men of their choice, when the world ap- 
plauds, and no more serious obstacle intervenes, than that, become so 
trifling, of only a wife to be first repudiated ? 

" But, as tendencies of such a nature, and so encouraged, can eventuate 
in nothing else, we must expect to see them result, at length, in a uni- 
versal corruption of morals, and no less appalling license of conduct. 
For, we may rest assured, that, if so far be weakened the only restraint 



328 BIOGRAPHY OF 

which has ever yet proved cfFectiial to check the wild flood of human pas- 
sion, tlie hitter is, sooner or hiter, and with an irresistible force, certain to 
break down, and utterl}' swoop away, whatever else men may seek to op- 
pose to it, until, after purity in woman, continence in man, and the con- 
jugal virtues of Hiith and constancy shall have wholly disappeared before 
it, marriage itself, too, will have become a mere empty name! 

" The very right of possession, which every man is now acknowledged 
to have in his wife, a natural right everywhere as yet so carefully guarded 
by human laws, would, if we took no steps to arrest this inevitable pro- 
gression, soon cease to be respected, or even recognized. And as in our 
day we have heard proclaimed, ' que la propriiHc, vest an vol,' might our 
children live to hear some new Proudhon lay down the beastly maxim, 
that * marriage, too, is an outrage upon our kind, — a robbery by one, of 
that which should belong to all men in common.' For the more powerful, 
rich, and artful among men would then help themselves to any woman 
over whom thoy could prevail, regardless if she wore wife or maid ; or, 
as wife, how tenderly she might be loved. "Whence, savage broils, and 
ceaseless discord would be certain to ensue, such as no human measures 
could prevent or allay in the absence of that great natural and divine 
law. — in tlie very disuse, or attempted repeal of which by man, might be 
traced the fatal and abounding source of all this mischief — 

"'Xam fuit ante Ilelenaui (uiuliei) teteirima belli Causa,' 

the wise o\d Roman quaintly remarked, near nineteen hundred vears ago ; 
and as then, and before, so even yet. is there no other quarrel in which 
man will so fiercely, or so readily embark, as in one concerning woman, 
who, of all the gifts of Heaven bestowed on him, has been ever the one 
most dearly prized. 

" A\ e are alike admonished then by every thing known to us, either in 
regai'd to man's nature or his history, that it is a most slippery precipice 
that which on every side surrounds the eminence on which God had raised 
marriage; and that, as one downward step, if adventured upon, will surely 
betray us into another, so will each draw us nearer to those low and abject 
depths of humanity where marriage ceases to be, or, in the words of the 
same great poet, where 

"'Quos vcnerem incertam rapientes, more ferarum, 
Viribus edition cajdebat, ut in grege taurus.' 

"Another equally well-established fact is, that, where man has com- 
merce with many women, his posterity is apt to be enfeeltled and himself 
enervated by it: and that, where woman lends herself to many men, her 
fruitfulness is thereby much impaired. Hence, another of the bad effects 
of divorce is, that it will insensibly lead to a deterioration of the human 
race. Tiiis otfoot it may also produce in another way. by the greater 
neglect of their health aiid physical requirements, which children are sure 
to suffer, where deprived of the care of one of their parents, or committed 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 329 

to the colder chivrities of a step-parent, wlio can scarcely be expected to 
feel any of tliat pitying sympathy for them, and could hardly hope for 
any of that tender return of love, which, occasionally, spring up on either 
side, where the child's natural parent, instead of having been supplanted 
by a rival, has been carried off by death. It is clear, that the development 
of their mental faculties will, in such cases, be even more neglected. 

" But, wherein the children of divorced parents are likely to suffer the 
most, is in the more defective moral training which they must receive. 
For, not to speak of the pernicious example so forcibly thrust before their 
eyes, nor of the improper feelings apt to be engendered in their minds 
against one of their parents, and even supposing the other to be all that a 
parent should be to tliem, it is none the less an acknowledged fact, that 
very few women are capable, by themselves, of governing unruly boy- 
hood ; and that there are still fewer men, who, even if their daily occupa- 
tions did not take them constantly from home, are sufficiently endowed 
with the delicate tact, so necessary even to a mother, who would acquire 
any effective influence over the wayward and susceptible heart of girlhood ; 
and to which even the mother must add such unceasing vigilance, would 
she preserve her tender charge from the contamination of improper asso- 
ciates. But, it is not often that we should be warranted in admitting so 
much as this, when one of the most ordinary effects of divorce is, undoubt- 
edly, to weaken that sentiment of duty towards their offspring, which God 
has implanted in the hearts of parents. For, the fact is so; nor will it 
appear too surprising for belief, if we will but consider, that it is no less 
an axiom founded in natural justice, than an essential even if implied con- 
dition of every marriage contract, that the trouble, anxiety, expense and 
responsibility, which attach to the possession of children, should be equally 
shared by botli their parents; each contributing that full part, which the 
difference in their sex has made respectively appropriate. And such being 
the case, there can be neither any thing singular nor unreasonable, in the 
repudiated children most keenly resenting the injustice of those human 
laws, which, not content with having interfered to part those whom nature 
at least, if not God, had joined, must needs lend their unauthorized aid 
besides, to cast on one of those the burthen which nature as well as God 
had assigned to the other. As much as we may condemn the feeling, even 
if prompted by this just resentment, Avhich could visit on one's own chil- 
dren the sins of their other parent, we, at least, cannot be surprised at it, 
when every day's experience shows it to be so frequently the case. 

"Not only the sentiment of duty, however, but also the parental affec- 
tions are diminished by this cause. For experience likewise teaclies us, 
that as well those who feel their children to be an impediment to the frui- 
tion of new loves and the formation of new alliances, as those who see 
growing up around them the favored offspring of a newer and more cher- 
ished bed, are alike apt to be warped occasionally from the feelings com- 
manded by nature and justice. And where this happens, children will 



330 BIOGRAPHY OF 

never be slow to discern it; whilst the effect which we may look to see 
produced upon tliem, by their discovery of it, will be, almost invariably, 
that of so hardeninc;, and so embittering their dispositions, that all the 
good seeds of virtue, which might otlierwisc have been implanted in their 
young hearts, would be likely to fall then as idl}' as might natural seed 
on a stony or thorn-choked soil. 

" But, it may be asked, are not some of these last-mentioned consequences 
as likely to flow from any second marriage, whatever be the cause by which 
the former was terminated, bo it death or divorce? Perhaps so : but it is 
to be remarked, that under the state of things which we are now supposing, 
second marriages would be much less frequent in the former case ; since 
the very fact, that death alone was able to separate the parties, would, in 
itself, be proof of a strong mutual attachment between them; the very 
reverse of which is indicated by divorce. The inclination to re-marry 
must, therefore, be greatly less, when it is death with its hallowing influ- 
ences upon the memory, instead of divorce with its embittered recollec- 
tions, which has intervened to dissolve the first marriage. 

"And, even though this were not so, yet must we bear in mind, that, 
not only was the Divine permission to re-marry, given in this case, ' Quod, 
si non se continent, nubant,' (I Coi*. VII. 9), exclusively confined; but 
that the very ground on which that permission stands, — considered under 
the purely natural view of the subject, which we are now taking, as, in 
some sort, a necessity for it, — is, as well aa all excuse for it, absolutely 
wanting in tiie case of divorce. 

•'But then, if both those who take advantage of the liberty afforded 
them by the divorce laws and their children are equally, though in differ- 
ent ways, injuriously afiocted l)y them, it must be evident that the latter 
will be doubly so, if, after growing up, they likewise avail themselves of 
the same fatal privilege; and that with each succeeding generation, the 
evil must thus go on augmenting, in something like a compound propor- 
tion, until, of necessity, society shall iiave grown rotten to its coi*e. 

"Any elaborate attempt to prove the pernicious effect of these laws upon 
society at large, then, would seem to be almost superfluous, when so much 
has been already said of the mental, moral, and physical degeneracj- which 
their licentious nature is sure to bring about in the individual man. To 
avoid prolixity, tlierefore, we shall content ourselves with briefly pointing 
out, in a simple way, some of their most marked results of this kind. 

'' In the first place, will we but take notice, that if one of the most 
ordinary effects of divorce, as well as of the change occasioned by it in 
the parental feelings, is to lessen the natural reverence and aftection of 
children for their parents, wo must immediately perceive, that the injury 
thus done to the parental authority, is one that can hardly fail to react in 
a most sensible manner upon society, by diminishing tliat respect which 
men have been accustomed to entertain for all legitimate government. 
For, it is certain, that the principles of submission to constituted authority, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 331 

is one by no means inborn in the human heart. Taking its root, on the 
contrary, in the child's sense of inferiority, and aljsolute dependence upon 
its parents, — consecrated by its affection for them, and growing stronger 
only in proportion as it is properly cultivated, — it develops itself at first, in 
the single sentiment of filial submission. And it is from that stock only, that 
it afterwards branches out, — first, into a feeling of respect for the authority 
of ecclesiastics and teachers, and finally, into one of deference and obedi- 
ence towards all, who are clothed with the powers of civil government. 

"The family, moreover, is not only the primitive germ, but likewise, 
the great constituent element of society, as well as, in some sort, the hot- 
house, nursery, or preparatory school, in which the tender plant of human- 
ity is nurtured, tended, and trained for society. Whatever then tends 
to break up the family relations, must, necessarily, inflict the same injury 
upon society, as he who should gash or poison the roots of a tree, would 
inflict upon its trunk and branches. As society rests upon the family, 
even so does the family rest upon marriage, from which it derives, just as 
society from the family, not only the origin of its life, but the very con- 
tinuance of its existence. And, therefore, any thing done to lessen the 
marriage bond, must contribute as much, even though indirectly, to break 
up society in the end, as it does, directly, to undo and scatter the family 
itself. Since, then, the interests, well-being, even the very existence of 
society, are so intimately blended with those of the family, and, with 
them, bound up in the sacredness and permanency of marriage, it clearly 
follows, that the Avar Avaged by society upon marriage, by means of the 
divorce laws, is not only an unnatural and a sacrilegious, but at the same 
time a most suicidal war. 

" The history of mankind will be found to abound in illustrations of the 
above truths ; and even that of nature is not fiir behind it, in this respect. 
For, wherever in the lower creation, whether among the birds, the animals, 
or the fishes which compose it, we happen to meet with the most striking 
examples of a tender, conjugal affection, there also, as a general rule, may 
we almost rest assured of finding a proportionate exhibition of the pa- 
rental virtues, and, to some extent at least, a corresponding aptitude for, 
and inclination to, a fceljle imitation of the social state. 

" Observe, for instance, the birds of the air, which, mating for a whole 
season, and, for aught we know to the contrary, for life, are of all the 
inferior creation, those whose devotion to their offspring is the most 
unselfish and beautiful ; whose social disposition, too, is, pei'haps, among 
the most perfect. With what assiduity, what skill, and affectionate fore- 
sight, do they not provide a home for their expected young, — lining even 
with their own softest feathers the warm and downy nest they prepare for 
them. And, when their little brood is hatched, with what a total oblivion 
of self and of all the world beside, do they not immediately devote them- 
selves to it; the male bird even condescending to alternate, in many a 
maternal office, with his mate, or warbling his sweetest songs to beguile 



332 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the tedium of those reserve! b}' iier. How inlustriously they will seai'ch 
for food; — when found, how easterly will tliey not urii;e tiieir swift-winged 
flight back, to bestow it upon their nestlings; liaving, apparently, lost all 
sense of their own natural wants in their absorbing, parental love. How 
inimitable, how truly wonderful, are the love-inspired artifices, with 
which, if danger threaten, they will confront, and usually succeed in con- 
juring it away ! And when, at length, their little ones approach maturity, 
■with what tenderness and care may they not be seen teaching them to fly, 
and otherwise educating them for the miniature world of life, on which 
they soon must enter. Who has not been witness to some one of these 
charming exhibitions of parental love? Who, on the other hand, has ever 
Avitnessed, or even heard of an instance, of one of these tiny creatures aban- 
doning a chosen mate and helpless little brood, for the sake of some new 
love? No one, we undertake to reply ; for, divorce is unknown to the law 
of their nature, and that law, they know not how to violate. 

" If we turn to the brute tribes, addicted to a chance, or polygamous 
intercourse, how marked the contrast wliioh we observe in them ! Take 
even the horse, otherwise among the noblest and mi)st intelligent of the 
animal kind, and how unlike he is, in this respect! For with no such 
tender forbearance for his mate, with none of this mild, paternal sway, 
does the wild stallion rule; but rather, as an absolute lord over a herd of 
female slaves, — tolerating nothing like equality, exhibiting nothing like 
affection, — savage and cruel, even in his moods of passion for them, and 
evei- on the alert to punish the least, faint symptom, on their part, of any 
thing like defection. Equally jealous and suspicious of those of his own 
sex and kind, he can so little brook their society, that, should one dare to 
stray upon his secluded pasture grounds, he will fight him even to death : 
■whilst to his own progeny, in fine, he is utterly indifferent. And there 
are other brutes, which, surpassing in ferocious instinct even the horse, 
are possessed of such a mortal, and well-nigh inconceivable aversion for 
their offspring, as, without distinction of sex, to mangle and kill them 
wherever met. 

"Yet, to which of these opposite natures will it be pretended that man's 
should assimilate the most, — to that of the grovelling beast, or of the bird 
Avhich soars towards lieaven? Surely no reader of the Sacred Book, at 
least, could hesitate for a reply, when reminded of what he must there 
have learned, that, of all the infinitely various forms of animated beings 
which God has created, there are only two under which lie has ever 
deigned to reveal himself to man: — that of man himself, ci-eated to His 
own imaije and likeness, and that of the dove, — the immemorial type of 
constancy, and symbol of a chaste, married love! Thus, God Himself has 
instructed us, that there are points of similarity between the nature of 
these two. as He fashioned them, and still would have them be, in respect 
to which He has set them apart from, an I exalted them above, all the rest 
of His vast creation. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 333 

"We have also appealed to history, as practically enforcing all that 
reason teaches us on this point, but, in order to l)e brief, will content our- 
selves with citing to this effect, a single memorable illustration; taken, 
however, from that familiar and every-way finished picture, which histo- 
rians have left us of the rise and fall of the colossal Roman power. 

"For full five hundred years, we are told, even though their laws per- 
mitted it, did this remarkable people continue to set their faces resolutely 
against divorce : and it was precisely during the same period, as Ave know, 
that they so steadily advanced in power, dominion, and glory, — that they 
were so preeminently distinguished for sobriety, frugality, and patriotism, 
— and, in one word, gave to the world all those astounding examples of 
what, even to this day, men are accustomed to call 'Roman virtue.' For, 
Scaevola and the elder Brutus, Codes, Cincinnatus, Curtius, Camillus, 
Curius, Fabricius, and the almost superhuman Regulus, with Clelia, Lu- 
cretia, Virginia, and a host of others, equally illustrious, all lived and 
flourished within that period. Whilst it is from that of the Caesars, when 
divorce had come into general use, that we are compelled to date the wane 
of Roman power, the decadence of morals, and spread of a frightful sensu- 
ality ; as well as the long succession of the Neros, Caligulas, Domitians, — 
the Messalinas and Agrippinas, whose names are still by-words of infamy 
among men, and will be handed down, no doubt, to the very latest time, 
as tlie everlasting reproach and disgrace of their kind. So true is it, that 
divorce laws but pave the way for polygamy and the grossest sensuality ; 
and that these in their turn will bring sure ruin on even the most flourish- 
ing empires and best ordered societies which it is in the power of man to 
create. 

"And here we must pause to ask of the many who fancy that, within 
what they call ' reasonable limits,' the permission of divorce is rather con- 
ducive to morality, or that any bounds can afterwards be set to it, if once 
permitted, just to mark, if it so please them, how completely the subse- 
quent history of the Roman peuple has given the lie to these sensual 
fallacies. 

" We have seen that for 500, or, as others have it, 523 years, there had 
been no example of a divorce in Rome; we are also enabled to judge of 
the shock given to public opinion by the first one which occurred, that of 
Spurius Carvilius Ruga, from the very fact, of his name's having been 
transmitted down to our own remote times, coupled with such an un- 
enviable notoriety. But we know, too, that, once the fashion set, it 
quickly began to spread, and that simultaneously with it morals com- 
menced to decay, and patriotism also to diminish, until in the compara- 
tively short space of less than a century and a half, the masters of the 
world had become so changed, and fallen so lamentably low, that lower 
they could not fall, without sinking into the slaves they soon were made. 

" For, meanwhile, we behold in rapid succession the sedition of the 
Gracchi, the civil wars of Marius and Sylla, Sylla's absolute dictatorship, 



334 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the conspiracy of Catiline, the struggle between Caesar and Pompej, — 
and finally the downfiill of the Republic! And what the state of morals 
had got to be at this last epoch, we may readily ascertain from the history 
of the Julian law, passed shortly afterward for the repression of adulttny, 
as well as of the crime against nature ; and which proved so wholly inef- 
fectual, as we find, in checking the spreading corruption of either. Foi', 
to speak only of the latter of these two criminal practices, so universal 
and shamelessl}' public did that soon become, notwithstanding and in de- 
fiance of the law^, that the great poets of the succeeding reign, even the 
courtiers and friends of Augustus, are known to have made matter of 
song of their own habitual indulgence in it; until Augustus himself Avas 
at length driven to make another impotent effort to crush it out, under 
cover of a law, compelling the Roman men — to marry women ! So soon 
had the carnal practice of divorce thus began to bear its legitimate fruits, 
even to the perversion of the sex, and the violation of nature.* 

"A little later, under the reign of Nero, Seneca, the philosopher, and 
friend of St. Paul, as some allege, but himself a Pagan, traces the follow- 
ing picture of the effects produced by it among the women of his day : 
' Is there any longer one,' he exclaims, ' who blushes at being repudiated, 
now that even ladies of the highest distinction count their years, not, as 
formerly, by the number of Consuls, but by the number of their husbands? 
And when young girls show themselves in public, only that they may suc- 
ceed in getting married, and marry, only that they may afterwai'ds get 
divorced? They shrank from it indeed, so long as it was little practised, 
but now, that there is no record which is not full of divorces, they have 
also learned to do that, of which they had heard so much. And is not 
even the very shame of adultery gone, since things have reached that 
point, when all that women care for in marriage, is to secure a cover, 
under which tiiey may better excite and carry on a commerce with 
adulterers? The sign of some deformity, nothing else, is chastity now." f 

* Startling, and even incredible as may seem this assertion, 'tis none the 
less true; and there is, perhaps, no truth more susceptible of proof, than 
that excessive indulgence in women, whether under cover of divorce, or 
polygamy, will insensibly create in man a feeling of contempt for her so 
great, as to extend even to his carnal use of her. 

" Qui le croirait," exclaims Montesquieu, whom this truth has not escaped, 
" la pluralite des femmes mene h cet amour que la nature reprouve !" And 
Ferrand, a philosophic writer of the last century, adds, after quoting this 
passage, " C'est une vorito demontroe pas Ics faits ; ct cette dog'Hitante pas- 
sion n'est nulle part plus effrontomont repandue, que parmi les Turcs." 

But not to take up too much space with citations as to this point, we will 
content ourselves with referring the reader, for proof of the reality of the 
fact, at least as among the Romans, to the 6th Satire of Juvenal. (See V. 
34, et passim.) 

f Sen. de benef. L. 3, ch. 6. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 335 

"A little later still, Juvenal, satirizing the same practice, gives us reason 
to infer that there would have been no sort of impossibility in a Roman 
matron's then changing her husband, as many as eiglit times in the course 
of five autumns; nor, after divorcing each of the eight in turn, in her 
returning to her first spouse.* Whilst Martial, writing about the same 
time, furnishes a still stronger illusti'ation of the lengths to which the 
permission to divorce might be carried, adding his sarcastic commentary 
thereon. 

" ' Quae nubit toties, non nubit ; adultera lege est.'f A remark, which 
is most worthy of note ; as showing that not even the licentious Romans 
were blind to the true nature of this corrupting practice; but that even 
whilst grossly rioting iti it they well understood and even frankly admitted 
it to be, what it really is — mere licensed adultery ! 

" Finally, St. Jerome shows us, three hundred years later, that the 
Pagans of the empire practised it as extensively as ever ; even to the extent 
of the same woman's legally prostituting herself, under the name of wife, 
to no less than twenty-two different men in succession. Nor can we hear of 
any change, or discover the least improvement in this respect, until after 
the edifice of the Roman civil power had been laid in ruins by the Barbar-. 
ians, and God, at length, had firmly seated upon the throne of the CEesars 
that Church which by His command had interdicted divorce wholly and 
forever. So completely, thus, will both history and the nature of mankind 
invariably be found to contradict the assumption, either that it is practi- 
cable to restrain divorce within any bounds, or that there is any better, or 
surer way of serving the cause of good morals, than that of making mar- 
riage permanent and indissoluble. 

" But, as the Divine authority for. this dogma of the Church has been 
disputed by Protestants, let us now briefly examine the Scriptural evidences 
for it. 

"We find, in the first place, that, Avhen God made the first woman to be 
the spouse and help-mate of the first man, out of no difierent material did 
He create her, not even of the same of which He had already fashioned 
Adam ; but, as if expressly to symbolize the inseparable union which He 
meant to establish between them, taking one of Adam's ribs, that rib did 
He build into a woman, and give to Adam for a wife, thereby giving it 
to their posterity to understand, that man's wife is to be regarded as the 
very 'bone of man's bone, and flesh of his flesh.' And, that they might 
be in no doubt as to His intention. He even adds an express declaration 
to this effect, and lays upon them, at the same time. His everlasting com- 
mand, that 'For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall 
cleave to his wife; and they shall be two, in one flesh. ^X 'Wherefore,' 
adds our Saviour, ' they are no more two, but one flesh. What, therefore, 
God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.'! 

* Lat. 6, V. 223-9. f ^- 6, ep. 7. 

X Gen. ii, 24. Matt. xix. 5. g Matt. xix. 6-9. 



336 BIOGRAPHV OF 

"And when asked, ' AVhy then, did Moses command to give a bill of 
divorce, and to pnt away?" His reply is, ' Because of the hardness of your 
hearts. Moses permitted you to put away your wives; but from the bejrin- 
ninji it was not so." And He from that ijoes on to lav down the law as it 
had originally stood, and as He thenceforth willed it to stand, forever: 
'And I say to you. Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for 
fornication, and shall marry another, committoth adultery : and he that 
shall marry her wiio is put away committeth adultery.' 

""Why any dispensation from the rigor of the original law should have 
been granted to the Jews, can be none of our business to explain : even if 
that be true, which we are not disposed to admit, that it was God. and not 
Moses, in his secondary capacity, and as a mere human legislator, who 
granted them such a dispensation. To explain such an apparent anomaly, 
if it existed, would, we repeat, be none of our business: since it would be 
simply folly in us, creatures whose limited intellect is confounded even by 
the wonders of Creation, to undertake to sound the depths of all the mys- 
tery and inscrutable counsels of the Alhvise and Great Creator. AVe know, 
however, from their own history, even as related by themselves, that the 
Jews were one of the most carnal races that have ever dwelt upon this 
earth ; that they were a people so grossly sensual, that not even the recol- 
lection of the intolerable servitude which they had undergone in Egypt 
could restrain them from sighing after the leeks, and onions, and liesh-pots 
of that land of bondage. "We know, too, that their very best and greatest 
characters, even the chosen progenitors of our pure Redeemer, the patri- 
arch Juda, the royal prophet David, and Solomon, the wisest of mankind, 
were so far possessed and carried away by the lust of the flesh, as through 
it to have committed incest, adultery, the basest murder, and even idol- 
atry ! And, knowing this, our human reason tells us that it would have 
been almost vain to expect that such a people would ever have kept the 
rigorous law imposed upon Adam's race before the Fall, unaided, as they 
yet were, by Sacramental grace. Moreover, the custom of divorce was 
already very prevalent, as well as very deeply rooted among them : which 
makes it still further questionable whether Moses, had he even made the 
attempt to do so, could by any possibility have succeeded in wholly sup- 
pressing it. We cannot blame him, therefore, if, as well to make a virtue 
of necessity, as to prevent greater violations of the law, he partly consented 
to this one, or rather abstained from combating it : nor can we doubt that, 
by bringing the practice under strict regulation, as he did. and restraining 
it within such bounds as he miglit reasonably hope the Jews would not 
transgress, he effected all that it was possible to effect under the circum- 
stances. Yet, it is worthy of remark that even in doing this he no lunger 
speaks in the name of the Lord, as he had done before, but in his own 
name, and apparently of his own sole authority. 

" Though, whether or not he had God's special sanction for what he did, 
is. after all, a matter of not the least consequence; since, if ever given, we 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 337 

know that it must have been subsequently withdrawn, as the practice has 
been denounced by God himself. For, in regard to this point at least, we 
are left in no doubt : since, not only in the passage of St. Matthew, above 
cited, and in answer to the questioning of the Pharisees, but previously 
to that, in His sermon on the Mount, our Saviour most distinctly and em- 
phatically repudiated the legislation of Moses on this subject, in these 
words: 'It hatli also boon said. Whosoever shall put away his wife, let 
him give her a bill of divorce. Rut I say to you, that whosoever shall put 
away his wife, excepting for the cause of fornication, causeth her to com- 
mit adultery : and whosoever shall marry her that is put away, committeth 
adultery.' * 

"Before proceeding further, it becomes us to examine closely into the 
exception made, as to fornication, in these two passages of St. Matthew; 
since it recurs nowhere else. If, as has been generally maintained by 
Protestant divines, it is to be understood as an exception from the general 
prohibition to contract a second marriage after separation, and as there- 
fore authorizing, in the case of fornication, a divorce d vinculo matrimonii, 
then, not only is it in direct contradiction to the text of the other Evan- 
gelists, but even with that of St. Matthew himself; for if on this ground 
a divorce a vinculo be in fact lawful, it stands in reason that he who should 
' marry her that is put away' on that account, would really not commit 
adultery, as our Saviour has so positively declared. To accept this con- 
struction would therefore be to make our Saviour falsify His own words, 
which of course we cannot do. But if, on the other hand, we understand 
with the Catholic Church, this exception as taken, not from the prohibition 
to marry another after divorce, but as only an exception from the recog- 
nized prohibition of any and every species of divorce, even of that milder 
form of it called by lawyers d mensd et ihoro, — which not assuming to dis- 
solve the bond of marriage consists merely in ' putting away,' or living 
apart from one's wife or husband, — then, not only will the whole difficulty 
be instantly cleared up, and the text of the different Evangelists be recon- 
ciled, but we shall, moreover, find the correctness of this interpretation 
fortified and confirmed in various other passages of the Sacred Scriptures. 

" What, for example, could be clearer than the following testimony of 
St. Paul to the fact of the general unlawfulness of such separation : ' But 
to them that are married, not I, but the Lord comraandeth, that the wife 
depart not from her husband ; And let not the husband put away his 
wife.' f He even explains the reason of this command; which, though 
fiowing necessarily from the Divine precept that man ' shall cleave to his 
wife,' and from the Divine declaration that ' they are no longer two, but 
one flesh,' is yet more distinctly enforced by him, as follows: 'The wife 
hath not power over her own body; but the husband. And in like man- 
ner, .the husband also hath not power over his own body ; but the wife.' 



* Matt. v. 31. t 1 Cor. vii. 10, 11. 

22 



338 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Wherefore, he bids ' the husband render the debt to his wife ; and the wife 
also in like manner to the husband ;' * and forbids them both to ' defraud 
one another."! Which not onW accords with, but makes beautifully clear, 
the last cited passages of St. Matthew : ' But I say to you. that whosoever 
shall put away his wife, excepting for the cause of fornication, canseth her 
to commit adultery.' 

'' Passing on now to the other Evangelists, we shall find St. Mark's 
version of our Saviour's language to be as follows : ' Whosoever shall put 
away his wife, and marry another, committeth adulteiy against her, — And 
if the wife shall put away her luisband, and h^ married to another, she 
committeth adultery.' J Whilst St. Luke's version runs thus: ^ Every one 
that puttetli away his wife, and marrieth another, committeth adultery; 
and he that marrieth her that is put away from her husband, committeth 
adultery.''^. From this it is apparent : first, that in no case is permission 
to contract a new marriage, after divorce or separation, given to either of 
the parties ; and next, that the first contract is, notwithstanding their 
separation, affirmed to be subsisting yet in all its original force ; else why 
such strong and repeated use of the word ' adulter}'^,' which, if the first 
marriage be supposed dissolved, would certainly have been a misnomer as 
cruel as unjust? 

" To the same eS'ect as the Evangelists writes St. Paul, as follows : '■A 
woman is bonnd by the laic as long as her husband liveth: but if her hus- 
band die, she is at liberty : let her marry to whom she will.' || ' Where- 
fore, whilst her husband liveth, she shall be called an adultei'ess if she be 
loith another man:^ 'but if her husband be dead, she is free from the law 
of her husband : so that she is not an adulteress if she be with another 
man.' ^ 

" Now, faultless and incontrovertible as may seem to us this doctrine, it 
sounds, nevertheless, very strangely in the ears of Protestants ; and to 
their minds the pi'ecept appears a very hard one, to say the least, if not 
absolutely impossible to fulfil. But then the same doctrine, at first, 
sounded just as strangely in the ears of the disciples, as we know, since, 
as St. Mark relates, they privately questioned our Saviour further about 
it;** and to their as yet unregenerated hearts, the precept must have ap- 
peared no less difficult than it now does to those of Protestants, since on 
hearing it, they were driven to exclaim, ' if the case of a man with his 
wife be so, it is not good to marry !' ff Yet, for all this, does it appear 
that our Saviour abated an}- thing from the rigor of the law as first laid 
down by Him? Not one particle: and, perhaps, has lie nowhere else so 
explicitly, or so positively re-asserted it, as wlien lie condescended to ex- 
plain Ilis full meaning to the questioning disciples. Xt T'here is, then, no 

* 1 Cor. vii. 4, 5. fl Cor. vii. 3. + Mark x. 11. 

§ Luke xvi. 18. || 1 Cor. v. 39. 1[ Rom. vii. 3. 

** Mark x. 10. ff Matt. six. 10. jj Mark x. 10, 11. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 339 

fact which tells more strongly against Protestants, than their A'cry incre- 
dulity on this point! If any thing is provable from the New Testament, 
it is that our Lord declares the marriage bond indissoluble. 

" But, difficult as may seem to carnal minds the due observance of this 
precept, the truth is, that our Saviour has made it very easy for tliose who 
will avail themselves of the means which He has provided to this end. For 
by raising marriage to the glorious dignity of a Sacrament, — and of 
' a great Sacrament' too, — as well as by the institution of the Sacraments 
of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, He has supplied us with such a rich, 
unfailing fount of supernatural grace, as no man can draw from without 
feeling himself sufficiently strengthened for the performance of every 
duty enjoined upon him by the Chi'istian law. This all good Catliolics 
know: tiiis the disciples afterwards found true, despite their first unfavor- 
able impressions upon the subject; this, too, might Protestants be certain 
of would they but try. But whether or not disposed to try the virtue of 
these supernatural graces, which the true Church would so gladly dispense 
to all mankind, at least is it certain, that they cannot possibly impugn her 
doctrine on this point, without, at the same time, rejecting the teaching 
of our Saviour and the Scriptures themselves. For, positively, no language 
can be clearer, no command more peremptory than those there found. Our 
Saviour will permit a divorce a viensd et thoro, that is to say, a sepai'ation 
between man and wife, in the case of the adultery of either; but even in 
that case will He admit of no sundering of the indissoluble bond, having 
declared, in words the most unmistakable anywhere to be found in the 
Scriptures, that either of the two, no matter what the cause of their sep- 
aration, — for He here makes no exception, — who should enter into new 
married relations with a third person, would, as well as that third party, 
be guilty of undoubted adultery. 

'' Before testimony so direct, so forcible, and so conclusive, as is that of 
the three Evangelists, and of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, as to these 
points, it seems to us that even sophisti-y itself should be reduced to 
silence ; and that they who could still cast about for an escape from the 
irresistible conclusions thus forced upon the mind must, unquestionably, 
be of the number of those, the ' stiff-necked and uncircumcised of heart,' 
who seeing, see not, and hearing, hear not, neither will they understand. 
Unless, therefore, we can bring ourselves to the point of denying the 
authority of the Supreme Legislator to impose a law, or lay a prohibition 
upon us, we cannot help but acknowledge marriage to be an irrevocable 
union, which makes of two one flesh, whom Death alone can part. 
Whilst before this stern injunction, ' Let not man part what God hath 
joined,' it must be equally clear to us that all the human divorce laws 
which ever were made, ai'e absolutely null, and positively criminal, and all 
they who have recourse to them declared adulterers ; for the Lord God, 
Himself, hath said it. 

" But if, already, quite enough should have been said to convince any 



340 BIOGRAPHY OF 

reasonable mind that the long-continued, and general practice of divorce 
is eventually sure to result in injury to man individually, as well as to the 
human race, — that it is essentially destructive of the family relations, as 
hotwoen man and wife, parent and child, and therefore, in a measure, of 
all good and free government, by the way in which it weakens the princi- 
ple of authority among men, and even of society itself, — that it is injurious 
to the growth and prosperity of nations, and more or less fatal to any 
system, whether moral, pseudo-religious, or political, which adopts it; and 
if, in addition to all this, as we now see, it turns out to be banned and 
forbidden by the great God who made us, what more can be urged in its 
favor, or how can we tolerate it for an instant longer among us? For 
tolerated unfortunately it has been, until its sad first-fruits are becoming, 
each day, more visibly manifest among «s, in a looser private morality, in 
un almost total decay of public virtue, — and, may we not add, in no less 
patent a fact, than the rise and progress of the Mormon heresy? For 
that this sect originated, and is still recruited whore the custom of divorce 
is most prevalent, and that, lapsing almost immediately into polygamy, it 
has from the first been animated by a spirit of relentless hostility to the 
civilization and society in which we live, — is as certain as that, after a few 
vain attempts to abide among us, it went forth like a new Ishmael, into 
the wilderness of Utah, where its hand is even yet 'against all men, and 
all men's hands against it.' 

'' Now, though we may justly congratulate ourselves on finding that our 
bod}- politic is still of a constitution sound and healthy enough to have so 
successfully thrown off this first cancerous eruption, we should yet be 
guilty of inexcusable folly did we let our satisfi\ction blind us to the fact 
that the lurking seeds of the disease too must, every one of them, be thoi'- 
oughly extirpated, if we would hope for any radical cure. And as, among 
these, our divorce laws are of the very first in point of dangerous import- 
ance, it is almost needless to add, that they should, also, be among the 
first attacked. 

"We have by no means exhausted the subject, and we are well aware 
that it will take more than one essay in a review to arouse the American 
people to a sense of their own danger. Already is the physical man de- 
generating among us; and already' is chastity of person, to say nothing of 
chastity of thought, looked upon to a fearful extent as no sin, at best as 
simply an imprudence, or as a bad calculation. Already we h.ave a party 
more numerous than is commonly suspected, who have even gone bej'Ond 
divorce, and unblushingly advocate the abolition of marriage altogether, 
leaving the sexes to cohabit together when and where they please, and for 
a longer or shorter time as may^ seem to them good. The principal end of 
marriage, the procreation and roaring of children, is well-nigh lost sight 
of, aud the prevention of conception or the destruction of the offspring 
before birth, real child-murder, is prevailing even among married people 
to a most alarming extent. The family, in its old sense, is disappearing 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 341 

from our land, and not only our free institutions are threatened, but the 
very existence of our society itself is endangered. It is time for every one 
of us to take the alarm, and try to arrest the evil before it is too late. To 
do this we must begin at the source, and protect the family by consecrating 
anew Christian marriage, recognizing its indissolubility, and i-epealing all 
laws which authorize divorce from the marriage bond. This must be 
done, but it can be done in this country only by correcting public opinion 
on the subject, and' bringing up the public conscience to silence the 
importunate demands of lawless passion. 

"J. P. G." 



342 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Birth of Laureal ; his wonderful beauty, death, and the sorrow of all — death 
of Julius' uncle. John P. Garescho — Julius' letter about it as also about 
Laurcul's to his aunt Lalite — his desire to wear his Cross of St. Sylvester 
in defence of the Holy See — his ^Military Article to the Adjutant General 
— esteem in which he was held by all his superiors — his abilities, chari- 
ties, and kindness of heart — performing Mr. Hanson's work durinc; his 
absence on Leave — sacrificing his parental feelings for duty — near-sighted- 
ness, loss and finding of his gold eye-glass — his endeavor and success in 
obtaining an Artillerj' commission for the son of a bigoted Presbyterian 
minister. 

On Monday, the 30th of January, 1860, Julius' seventh child 
and fourth and last boy was born. It was baptized "Alexandre 
Edouard de Laureal" after its great-uncle and grandfother ; and 
at last its mother's ardent wish of namins; a bov of hers after 
her own father was permitted and carried into effect. Its God- 
parents were its maternal great-uncle, Alexander Callard, repre- 
sented by its little brother Loui.s, and its paternal aunt, Mrs. 
Mary Garesch6 Xorris, represented by its little sister Marie. 

It was an unexceptionally beautiful child and seemed to have 
been sent by its little angel brother, Edgar, to fill his place. 
Every one could not help loving the lovely Laureal, he was so 
good, so sweet, and so wonderfully beautiful. Even his little 
sisters and brother loved him tenderly and felt no jealousy at 
his being so universally admired and loved. But the little dar- 
ling was not destined to live an earthly life, he was called to a 
happier and more perfect state and he soon winged his way to 
Heaven. In the words of his sorrowing father " Dieu, qui nous 
avait prCt6 ce d^licieux enfant, a bien voulu I'appeler Ti lui, ce 
matin, 28 Fevrier, 1861, a 10 heures, 11 minutes A.M." " (God, 
who had lent us this delicious child, wished to call liim back to 
Himself this morning, February 28th, 1861, at 11 minutes after 
10 o'clock.)" 

On this same morning Julius received from his brother Ferdi- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 343 

nand the news of the sudden and beautiful death at St. Louis 
of their attached uncle, John P. Garesche, who had reached the 
advanced age of 81 years. He was sick for only a week and in 
his last moments became a Catholic, saying that he had intended 
doing so for a long time and did not wish to put it oiFany longer. 
He died in a most edifying mauner, receiving all the last Sacra- 
ments. Ferdinand said that it was the desire of the family that 
Julius should announce tiie sad news to his Aunt Lalite (Re- 
ligious of the Visitation in Frederick, Md.,) and her daughter, 
Amelia (Religious of Mount Carmel in Baltimore). There- 
uj)on Julius sends his Aunt his brother's letter, to which he 
supplements the following words. 

^'■Friday morning, March \st. — A few minutes aftei* 10 o'clock yesterday 
morning, dearest Aunt, after an illness of nearly two weeks, I lost my 
youngest child — the very flower of my little flock. He was my own and 
his mother's darling, the pet and plaything of his little brother and sisters, 
who loved him as much as it is in the nature of children to love. It has 
been a sad blow to me, though I am consoled in thinking of his happiness, 
and would not recall him, even by a vain -wish. But his poor Mother is 
nearly crazed by this new loss, the fourth of its kind, and moans and does 
every tiling but weep, refusing to listen to any consolation. 

"I had just kissed my child after his death, and shed a few tears over 
his sweet corpse, when, on stepping into the other room, I received this 
letter. I cannot, altogether, dismiss the fancy that my dear little LaureaPs 
sufferings have in part moved our God to have pity on my dear Uncle, 
and thus contributed to save that dear soul." 

In the year 1860, when General de Lamoriciere, an officer of 
high rank in the French Army and who had served with great 
distinction in its campaigns in Algeria, and a most fervent Cath- 
olic and knightly gentleman, was invited to take the command 
of the Papal forces and to organize a small army, to resist all im- 
pious attempts against the Pontifical Government, Julius inspired 
with the glorious thought of helping to defend the Holy See and 
of being able to wear his "golden spur" of St. Sylvester in the 
very face of the enemies of his Church, prepared a scheme, of 
organizing and disciplining volunteer troops and sent it to de 
Lamoriciere, hoping for an invitation to come over and receive 
a command. He had fully determined in such an event of re- 
signing his present commission and crossing the seas to fight the 



344 BIOGRAPHY OF 

enemies of the staunch and noble hearted Pontiff, Pius the 
Ninth. But God in His All-wise Providence had decreed other- 
wise, he was not to perish, another de Pimodan at Castelfidardo, 
battling against the enemies of his Church, but he was to live a 
little while longer, succoring and protecting his own country in 
her dark hour of approaching trial, and then to fall gloriously 
on the victorious blood-stained field of jNIurfreesboro, defending 
her liberties to the last and pouring forth his heart's blood for 
her welfare. 

In the early part of ISGO he wrote the following excellent 
military article. 

•'Washington', D. C. 

February 14th, 1860. 
" Colonel S. Cooper, 

Adjutant General, U. S. A. 

'' Colonel, 

'' An expression which I have seen attributed to the Emperor Napoleon 
III, who, speaking of the Chasseurs ci pied, armed with the new rifles, re- 
marked that ' they constituted a veritable arfiUerie a main,' suggested to 
me what tollows. You will at once perceive that there is nothing new in 
the suggestion, — that it amounts to nothing more, in fact, than an adapta- 
tion of old ideas to the present state of things; and all that I claim for it, 
is that it is one among the many changes which recent iin[irovements in 
the weapons of war have made necessary. 

"I need not enter with you. Sir, into any recital of the long course of 
persistent efforts, which ever since the invention of tield artiller}', have 
been directed to the increase of its mobiliiy, nor of the very marked success 
with which these efforts have progressiveh' been crowned. I need but 
remind you of the fact; and in doing so, my object is no other than to 
illustrate more foi-cibly the starting point of these remarks, nameU-, that 
no such thing, a.s perfection, is possible, in any of the arts or inventions of 
man. — hence, that no improvement in them, however great or extraordi- 
nary, should ever deter us from looking for still greater improvement; — 
since, if not now, it is at least certain to be improved on at some future 
day. 

" For this reason, were it here the place to do so, I might urge, that we 
are, even now. far behind the spirit of the times, in not gradually turning 
all of our regiments of infantry into battalions of Chasseurs li pied. For, 
the Chasseurs are the product of French experience gained in many years" 
warfiire with the Arabs, and in our Indians we have an enemy of precisely 
the same kind to deal with. 

''But, without entering into this branch of the subject, and considering 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 345 

the Chaaseurs il pled only as a special corps of marksiuon, almost rivalling 
field artillery in the celerity of their movements, and the range and pre- 
cision of their firo, allow nie to suggest that they are capable of being 
developed into a much more formidable arm, — more really akin to artil- 
lery, — by a few very slight improvements, — and, in the first place, by 
increasing their mohilUy. For, the j^jas gi/mna.stique, if far superior to the 
ordinary rate of an infantry soldier's march, is yet by no means, the ne 
plus ultra of rapid locomotion, and is, itself, far surpassed by the speed of 
horses. AVhy then, should not horses be used for the purpose of mounting 
a corps cVdiie of first rate marksmen, the picked shots of the army, who 
would be enabled thus to arrive more rapidly at the points most requiring 
their presence, and in the critical moments of a battle, — and, in doing so, 
would be spared the necessity of first running themselves out of breath : — 
a point which is evidently of no little importance to the steadiness of their 
nerves and the subsequent accuracy of their fire? 

" Now, that. the two rank formation for infantry is everywhere adopted, 
and that the open, skirmishing order of fighting is so much more used than 
formerly, lines of battle must necessarily be much more extended, and 
hence the mobility of troops, — especially of special corps such as field 
artillery, with which we are only at liberty to garnish certain points of 
one line, but which may yet at anj' moment be required to act upon almost 
any otiier part of the field, — becomes, relatively of far greater importance 
than at any past time. 

"In large armies, then, like those of Europe, it appears to me, that the 
most signal benefits might be derived from the formation of mounted com- 
panies of picked marksmen, such as these, receiving a higher pay than 
other corps, and having attached to each company a certain number of 
grooms, who would attend to the horses in camp, and look after them 
during a battle. And the hope of being one day advanced into this priv- 
ileged corps, would perhaps be one of the strongest encouragements for 
learning to shoot well, which could be held out to the soldiers of the rest 
of the army. 

" The men of this corps should be armed with breech loading, repeating 
rifles; and each man should have an extra rifle strapped to his saddle or 
slung across his back, and carry with him an extra supply of ammunition 
for both. The objections which have been urged with so much force 
against intrusting to the common run of soldiers arms of such delicate 
mechanism and which require so much intelligence and skill on the part 
of those who use them, could, of course, have no sort of application to a 
chosen body of intelligent marksmen, who are presumed to be already 
perfectly familiar with the use of them. While, the objection, that these 
arms are liable to soil very quickly, or become too hot for use, in the rapid 
firing of which they admit, is obviated by the provision made for evei*y 
soldier's carrying with him an extra rifle. 

"Now, whether it be employed against cavalry, or whether against 



316 BIOURAPIIY OF 

infiintry, 1 am of opinion tiiat, in (,>itIior caso, sneli a corps would do ox- 
collent service, iind prove itself of singular value. But it is, especially, 
a^rainst artillery, tliat I tliink it capable of rcmlerinL; the most inijinrtant 
services. Hy jirovidiiig tlie non-coniniissionod olBcers with explosive halls, 
with which it would he their business to endeavor to blow up the Caissons, 
while the conunon soldiers would be firing at the cannoneers and horses of 
a liattory, as much mischief could bo done to the enemy's artillery, as by 
artillery, itself. And perhnps more; for, if with bullets it be impossible, 
as with balls, to dismount the guns and carriages of a battery, yet, wilii 
bullets, wonlil it be, at least, much more easy to pick olF its cnnnonoers, 
drivers, and horses. AVhilst, on the other hand, those doing this execution, 
by availing themselves of the cover, afforded by the un<lulations of the 
ground, or, where there is no cover, by stretching themselviis Hat on the 
ground, would scarcely olfer any visilde nmrk to the return fire of the 
enemy, — none at least, which would lu- comparalile to that oifered by the 
guns, carriages, horses, and cannoneers of a Held battery. In such a duel, 
then, if sulliciently ))rolongod, it is (|uite evident, that the enemy's can- 
noneers would griidually be all pick(!d olf, without their having l>een able 
to infiict any sensible loss on their assailants. The whole power of their 
arm would be thus expended in vain — foiled by the very insignificance of 
their adversary, — and be of no more use to them, than would be to a naked 
num all his strength and overwhelming superiority, against a cl()ud of 
gnats or swarm of nu)squitoos. 

"Whence, would flow two consequences: — 1st tiiat, by thus diverting 
the attention of the enemy's artil!(;ry, one would have all onivs own artil- 
lery free to be employed, according to the a})propriate destination of that 
arm; — since artillery was never invented for the purpose of com})ating 
artillery, but for the suke of crushing the inl'iintry nnd cavalry of an 
enemy: 12iid that, in this way, even if we suppose the enemy to have 
adopted the same system, we could double the elVective strength of our 
artillery, at a comparatively trifling cost. For, what would be the cost of 
organizing and keeping up a comjiany of these mounted sharp-shooters, in 
comparison with tlie lica\Y outlays required by a battery of field artillery, 
with its guns and carriages, its ponderous and expensive munitions? 
Absolutely nothing! 

"Now, although, as 1 have before remarked, it is chiefly in large armies 
like those of Europe, that the practical development of these ideas would 
be attended with the most imuu'diate and profitable results, still that is no 
reason, why we should not, in a limited way, endeavor to keep pace with 
all of the modern improvements in the science of war. For, not only 
should our little army serve as an organized nucleus, around which may 
be gathered, and on which bo formed, in the event of war with any civil- 
ized foe, an indefinite number of the raw, but hardy and courageous yco- 
numry of our country ; — not only shiuild it be large enough to keep in 
subjection the wild and predatory tribes of Indians on the borders of our 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCII^J. 047 

interior HottlonicnfcH ; — but it Hliould siIho Hcrvc iis 11 |i(;r|)ctij;il scImjoI (if 
inHtriiction for the boruifit and iinprovejncnt of our iiiilitia, — and it siiould 
also be large cnou<^h for this last, important purpose. 

" Now, the most prcsKing want, at this time, not only of the Militia, but 
of the Army, itself, is of a f^roat scliool for Kifle practice and instruction, 
sucli as that of Vincennos in France, and Ilythc in En;^land. Conj^ress 
could, in no other way, so profitably lay out the same amount of money, 
as in providin;^ for the estaldishment of such a school, to which the Militia 
should have free access ; and, in connection with it, mi^.dit be or^'anizrsd a 
small mod(d corps, such as that I have had tlu; honor to describe to you, 
the members of which mi;^ht be usefully cmfiloyed as a part of the personnel 
of the school, — as 8ul>instructors for the pupils adniitted into it. 

" I am, Coloind, 

" Very respectfully, 

" Your Obd't.' Servant. 

" Jui.ii.s P. Gahksch^. 
"Asst. Adj't. Gen'l," 

In the Office, as outside, Julius performed all his duties eoii- 
scientiously and with credit, and the proof of the high respect 
lie was held in by his superiors, was the fact of his being 
assigned to the charge of the most in)j)ortant branches of the 
Bureau ; and when subsequently the War broke out he was 
given charge of all the most difficult and important work, and 
lield the position of Senior Assistant to the Adjutant General. 
Quiet and methodical in his work he possessed the facidty of 
seeing through a complicated case or argument almost instanta- 
neously, or with but little effort of the mind. The Adjutant 
General, as also Secn.'tary of War, always considted him in ref- 
erence to any complex or dangerously minute matter, and were 
glad to receive the able and well put answers of liis logical and 
far seeing mind. Even the President frequently asked his 
advice, and Julius' conclusions always turned out right. 

Julius wrote a very beautiful but exceedingly fine hand ; was 
able to condense his tlioughts, if necessary, into very few words, 
sufficiently intelligent for any one to understand, and yet con- 
taining matter that others might liave devoted j)!iges to un- 
necessarily. 

He never turned away an applicant, but listened patiently with 
his sweet and engaging smile and, if able, would at once give the 
aasistance besought. He listened readily to those in distress, and 



348 BIOGRAPHY OF 

no beggar ever left his office empty handed. He was a friend to 
all who applied for relief. 

As an illustration of liis kindness of heart and thorough un- 
selfishness I will mention the following incident. 

When his chief clerk, Mr. Richard Hanson, returned on a 
certain occasion from a Leave of Absence, he discovered to his 
amazement that all his work, which he expected to have accu- 
mulated during his absence, v/as done carefully and thorowjlily 
up to date and in Julius' own handwriting ; and the latter en- 
joying his astonishment only smiled pleasantly and refused all 
thanks, saying it was not much, a mere trifle. And this was not 
the only time he performed such extraordinary kindness for Mr. 
Hanson. 

On another occasion, when his little Laureal lay dead at home 
and his bleeding heart prompted him to remain near the beloved 
corpse he sacrificed his parental feelings and went to his Office, 
because there was very important and special work to be done, 
and there was no Officer there to fill his place. And he remained 
at the Office all day attending to the varied, complicated and 
arduous details of this work. And though earnestly besought 
by Mr. Hanson to return home, his characteristic but sad reply 
was : " No, my duty is paramount," and he remained hard at 
work all day, even though his fond fatherly heart was swelling 
and well-nigh bursting in the intensity of its grief. Only after 
his labors were finished did he return to his grief stricken family, 
to soothe their anguish and pay his own last sad tokens of love 
to the little corpse that lay cold and silent on its little bier, with 
its sweet and beautiful face upturned in its last sleep. Xo one 
but God understood the terrible agony that rent his bosom as 
gazing through blinding tears at his little Laureal the thought 
came again and again that whilst he might have remained he 
had nevertheless stayed away ; and none but God understood 
and could appreciate his great sacrifice to duty. 

Julius was very near-sighted, though otherwise his eyes were 
strong and of perfect use, and always used an eye-glass when 
he found it necessary to examine any minute object or any thing 
at a distance. This he carried suspended to a wide black watch 
guard. Pie once happened to lose it and only discovered his loss 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 349 

after he had commenced his official duties for the day. Lookino- 
everywhere and yet unable to find it he started homewards and 
on the way prayed fervently to St. Anthony of Padua to assist 
him. His prayer was heard, for on reaching his house he dis- 
covered the lost object. On his return thereupon to his Office he 
smilingly said to Mr. Hanson: '' AVe Catholics have an advan- 
tage over you Protestants; for when we lose any thing, we go to 
a little Saint who assists us to recover it." 

When the War was already commenced in all its fury Julius 
was instrumental in procuring a commission in the Artillery 
branch of service for a young applicant, and was unceasing in 
his efforts until successful; and yet he did not know the young 
man, had never even seen him, and there was no reason why he 
should take any interest in him. He had been thus unsparing 
in his exertions, why? simply because the applicant's father was 
a bigoted Presbyterian minister, who held Catholics in abhor- 
rence, and Julius thus wished to do him good for evil, by heaping 
coals of fire on his head. 



350 DJOORAPIIY OF 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Commencement of the Civil War and Julius' appreciation of the coming 
crisis — his politics and true Union feelings and his sacriflcns for them — 
his fears of an abolition war and of meeting iiis brothers on the tield of 
battle — his letter and their answer — incident about his cousin Bauduy— 
letter of Ferdinand — incident about Montgomery Blair — revelation to a 
holy person of Julius' approaching death on the battlc-flold and his 
brother Fred's letter and staloiiient about it — Julius' own presentiment— 
his patriotic letter in the "National Intelligencer" — his manifold and 
arduous duties — his promotions and General Lorenzo Thomas' esteem for 
his abilities and objections to allowing him to go in the field— appreci- 
ation held in by his sujjeriors and the President — procures commissions 
for many persons — obtains Brigadier Generals' commissions for Ord and 
Kosecrans — remarks of Col. Alex. J. Dallas — Julius' De Imitatume Chriaii 
— his indignant objection to serving with Garibaldi — his indignation at 
the outcry against Gen. Chas. P. Stone — defends Gen. Sherman's repre- 
sentation regarding necessity of large forces for Kentucky — remarks of 
Gen. Henry J. Hunt. 

We now come to the period of that terrible Civil strife that 
(le.solatecl our country for so many years and swept away so many 
of her purest and best sons. 

Julius' appreciation of the coming crisis is exemplified in the 
following remarks to a friend, Capt. Richard G. Lay, U. S. A. 

"A happy New Year to you, my dear Dick, and may the clouds wiiich 
now hang over us bo soon succeeded by the sunshine of renewed pros- 
perity. Gov. Floyd lias resigned, at length. I wish Buchanan and 
Breckcnridgc would do so too, and give us a chance to have some man 
like Crittenden at the head of the government. The country is in an 
uwful state." 

Julius was a Democrat, (as was all his family), in politics, so 
far as an Officer of the Army of that day took notice of poli- 
tics; for, true to his profession, he never took an active part 
either in word or deed, as it was not considered the proper thing 
for an Officer to take a prominent position in party discussion 
or to pronounce any decided opinion on the subject. In the 
Presidential canvass of 18G0, however, he was a warm well- 
wisher to the success of Judge Douglas, a personal friend. 



LJEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G A RESCUE. 35 1 

In the words of another regarding Julius: 

"In this terrible ordeal which an insane rebellion presented to the 
national mind, he emerged from it unstained by its treasonable doctrines, 
his honor untarnished, and his patriotism as unchallenged as his cour- 
age." 

He was a Union man in the truest sense of the term, he was 
opposed to Secession, for that could only work harm and ruin. 
He believed in standing up in defence of his country; if that 
became impossible, then of leaving the Army, but nevar of rais- 
ing his hand against his country in hostility, liut he was no 
Abolitionist. He did not concur in the extreme doctrine of 
those who insisted in at once freeing the slaves and forcing the 
poor, helpless, ignorant creatures upon the tender mercies of a 
cold, hard, unfeeling world. He believed in their being eman- 
cipated, but then in a proper manner, whereby no harin could 
accrue to the country or to themselves. He was no adherent of 
slavery, because from a Ciiristian point of view it was opposed 
to all ideas of true justice. 

When he had entered the Array from West Point he had 
sworn to serve his country truly and faithfully against all ene- 
mies, and he had rigidly carried out that promise, and now that 
the great question of the day arose — as to whether the South 
had a right to secede from the Union, he was ready to prove iiis 
loyalty ; for he had sacrifices and many and bitter ones to make 
in remaining true to his allegiance, faithful to his flag; for his 
interests, associations, ties and friendships were mostly among 
Southern people. He deplored the \\'ar, but he also condemned 
the criminal causes which precipitated it. When old and at- 
tached brother Officers were resigning or deserting the flag they 
had sworn to uphold ; when intimate friends and even near rela- 
tives were enrolling themselves under the banners of llebellion; 
when seductive offers of high rank, cf)mmand and emoluments 
came from those who hoped to have his influence and the pres- 
tige of his stainless name to give a brighter color and surer foun- 
dation to their unjustifiable cause, and angry and furious taunts 
assailed him for refusing, he never flinched but stood staunch 
and firm to his principles of loyalty and duty. He only felt he 



;J52 BIOGRAPHY OF 

could not figlit, could not battle against his country's foes if the 
following chances occurred. He would then have to resign his 
Commission, leave his' country and go abroad until the cruel 
War Avas over. 

He greatly feared an abolition war and a rising of the colored 
population of the South, and family traditions of the massacres 
perpetrated during the French Revolution in San Domingo had 
even exaggerated, if possii)le, the horrors of such a state of 
affairs. A subject of satisfaction, when on his way to the front 
in November 18G2, was his belief that, owing to the recent 
Democratic victories at the polls, all fear of the abolition procla- 
mation being issued was gone ; for he felt that lie could not in 
conscience draw his sword in favor of a negro insurrection. An 
All Merciful God, however, preserved him from learning the 
truth, because he died the very day before the issuing of such a 
decree. 

Another subject of distress, was the fear that he might ])erchance 
meet his brothers on the field of battle. A fond, affectionate 
heart like his own recoiled with horror at such a frightful calam- 
ity. His brothers had all been reported in Washington as being 
Secessionists and when Ferdinand and Alexander were taken at 
Camp Jackson, St. Louis, by Capt. Lyons and his men it was 
thought to admit of no doubt. Still it was not entirelv true; 
for Alexander had resisted every persuasion to adopt those views, 
though all his intimate friends held them; and Ferdinand, 
though Southern in sympathy, was yet no partisan. At any 
rate Julius was informed that they were all rank Secessionists. 
Devoted as he was to his relatives he wrote a letter of real dis- 
tress to learn the truth ; that if they joined the South he could 
never do his duty, if he thought that possibly among those 
ranged against him in battle were his own brothers, his own 
flesh and blood. He would prefer resigning ; but not to enter 
the Southern Army, for he would never fight the flag he had 
sworn to defend. He would go to Europe and remain there till 
the War was over. 

Their answer was, not to resign on their account, for they had 
no intention of joining the Southern Array, and therefore it was 
impossible that they should ever meet on the battle-field. His 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 353 

cousin Bauduy * P. Garegclie, one of his favorite cousins, and 
liis brother-in-law, Robert A. Bakewell (both of whom afterwards 
joined the South) united with them in saying that in honor and 
duty, with his political principles and conscientious ideas of 
right and wrong, he was obliged to retain his commission and 
fight for his flag. Alexander added they were not Secessionists 
but Democrats — opposed to the War, because they thought it 
Avould work more ruin than good, that he himself abhorred 
Secessionism, but deprecated the evils of the War. But their 
position was different from his. As an Officer of tlie Army he 
had only to obey lawful orders and stand by his flag, and they 
would be intensely sorry to see him resign. His answer was, 
that they had removed a load from his heart, that he did love 
his brothers so faithfully as to shrink from the thought of oppos- 
ing his sword to theirs — though he was satisfied the United States 
were right — and that he could now pursue his calling with a 
hVhtened heart. 

In a letter that Ferdinand wrote to Julius in July, 1862, he 
says : — 

*' You must not, dear Julius, grieve so much for us. Your heart is too 
good and too tender. "War is a hard thing and entails many miseries. 
We are men and must expect to meet our fate in whatever shape it comes. 
"\V'e have chosen our side and you know us well enough to know that we 
will stand or fall with it. They can invent no oath that conveys allegiance 

* Upon his arrival in the South Bauduy, who had under his father, in 
the Eden Park Gunpowder Mills, learned the art of making powder, was 
put in command of the South's Governmental Gunpowder Works in South 
Carolina, and for a long time its powder was far superior to that of the 
North. The following incident in this connection occurs. 

When Gen. Grant was encamped near Richmond, Va., a scout re- 
ported, was admitted into his tent and closetted with him for some time. 
When he left the General remarked to a friend : " 1 wish I could catch that 
Bauduy Garesche." This gentleman, who knew Bauduy intimately, re- 
plied : "Why, General, I know him and I can assure you that he was 
never a secessionist, but feeling compelled him to join one side or the other, 
and he went South ; for no one, even with Southern sympathies, can have 
any peace at St. Louis." " Oh !" said Grant, " I would not harm a hair of 
his head ; but on the other hand I would, if I caught him, keep him close 
and not exchange him for 10,000 men. The powder he manufactures for 
the South is so superior to ours." 

23 



354 BIOORAPHY OF 

to the Federal Government which I would take, because I think that feel- 
ing as I do I would poijiiro niysolf in so doing. I have given my parole 
not to take up anus nor to aid the South during the Civil AVar.'' 

One day, sliortly after the Camp Jackson affair, Mr. Mont- 
gomery Blair, tlien in the Cabinet, called on Julius in his Office 
and, after speaking- of his brothers' connection with that matter, 
said, rather officiously: "Garesche, why do you allow your 
brothers to be such rank secessionists, you ought to ciiange their 
sentiments?" Mr. Blair meant no offense, for he was friendly 
with Alexander, but his tone and manner aroused all Julius' 
brotherly indignation, who, misconstruing hii? motive in speak- 
ing thus and attributing it to personal spite against his relatives, 
answered back sharply and indignantly. 

For tiiis one unpremeditated sin of anger our Lord chose to 
reveal to a certain holy person that Julius would perish eighteen 
months after on the Field and in his first battle. In the words 
of his brother, Father Fred, dated Sept. 14, ]8G1, 

'' She told me that the sin was in the will alone, and that our Lord re- 
quired moi'e penance than you had yet done, and that you have His assur- 
ance that you may cast all your cares on Ilim in case any thing occur to 
you, with full conOdonco that lie Avill take care of those you love. If then 
you have to go into battle you can go with all trust and calmness. 

" Be assured that your family have not, and never will abate a jot of 
their love for you, however much some of them may differ from you in 
their war sentiments," 

His brother further, in reference to this prophecy of his sud- 
den death, states as follows. 

"One of my penitents'' [the same holy person just mentioned] "be- 
lieved tliat she had a communication from our Lord and one day came to 
see me and asked me to write to my brother in the Army and tell him that 
he would die a sudden death in the war, but that he would be well pre- 
pared. I consulted an older and more experienced, and a very spiritual 
priest, before I did so, and he was of the opinion that it could do no liarm 
and might be a means of keeping Julius in a state of preparation, viz., a 
state of grace. Julius wrote back that it did not aifect him, as it could 
not be true ; that the Confederates had lost their chance of attacking or 
taking Wasliington, and as he was on the general staff and consequently 
would not be scut to the field, the occasion of danger would not present 
itself. A few days after lie found his wife in a Hood of tears. She had 
found and read my letter and was for a time inconsolable. But he pacified 



LIEUT.'COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 355 

her, partly by his reasons, and partly by laughing at the whole matter as 
sheer nonsense. She dried her eyes and, as he told me, berated me for 
having ' tir6 V horoscope de son frh'e.^ " 

Still Julius' mind formed the strange presentiment that he 
would soon die a sudden death. I have already shown in a 
preceding part of his life how he became convinced that his 
ending would be sudden. When he subsequently joined Gen. 
Kosecrans, he left Washington with the firm conviction (thougli 
he kept his darling Mariquitta in ignorance of it) that he would 
fall in his first battle. Many of his companions in arms, when 
he arrived in Tennessee, learning in some manner or other of 
this presentiment, curiously watched him, anxious to see how a 
man thus impressed would act in the face of danger. But how 
bravely and religiously he comported himself, notwithstanding, 
even up to the very moment of his death, will be described in 
its proper place. 

In the beginning of hostilities Julius wrote the following 
most patriotic letter in the " National Intelligencer" of Wash- 
izigton, that contained advice which, if followed, would have 
spared the country the dreadful evils it had afterwards to 
deplore. 

" To THE 

Editors of the National Intelligencer. 

"I have been so forcibly struck, while lately reading 'Russell's Diary 
in India,' with the singular applicability, to the present condition of our 
own affairs, of many of the remarks, made by tliis distinguisiied English- 
man, while commenting upon those of India, that I must really beg of you 
to oblige mc and the other friends of the Union, by republishing one pas- 
sage of the book herewith transmitted. 

"A perusal of this passage cannot fail to suggest to every reflecting 
mind the pregnant question ' how mean we to deal with our rebels, how 
pacify our distracted country?' 

" The question is, at this moment, one of vast importance. Do we 
intend to repeat the harshness and violence, which, practiced in Missouri, 
converted the most loyal of all the Slave States in the Union, into one 
vast secession, camp — for the period of one whole year arrested the great 
Mississippi expedition — and lost to us, during that time, the services of 
100,000 of our troops, who ought to have been employed elsewhere — or 
shall we again make trial, of the wise and patient forbeai'ance, which 
preserved to us Kentucky ? 



356 BIOGRAPHY OF 

• " Soon, our victorious armies may be expected to have overrun the 
South. What then? We cannot forever keep them there. Whether, 
even for another year, we could do so, is very doubtful. Let us not 
forget, that in levs than two years' time, we were sick to death of our 
paltry Avar with Mexico, and fairly begged and bribed the conquered 
Mexicans to give us peace, so eager were we for it. Now how do we liope 
to secure peace with these so proud, so enthusiastic Americans? ^Vill it 
be by acts of confiscation and violence, by a policy of vengeance — by let- 
ting loose on them the snarling curs of Abolition, the very same that wor- 
ried them into this madness: — shall we thus justify their leaders, and 
there})y make iruth of the very lie, with which they deluded their people 
into this rebellion ? 

" If so, then may all hopes of restoring the Union be at once dismissed 
now and forever. We cannot too soon, in that case, call off our armies 
and set about reducing our expenses ; for we should have to do it sooner 
or later, and had better do it now, when crowned with victory Ave can at 
least do it Avith honor. 

"Does any one doubt this inevitable result? Then must he be per- 
suaded of one of two things — either, that the tax-payers of the North and 
West, Avho have not yet digested the taxes of this war nor even accepted 
tliem as yet, mean to charge themselves for all time to come with the sup- 
port of a standing army of 200,000 or 300,000 men, — or that the Southern 
Leopard, when once our armies shall haA'e been disbanded, will tamely 
submit to all that the malice of- the Abolitionist can inflict upon him. 

"No statesman, no man of sense, none but an idiot or a fool could be- 
lieve either; and, therefore, Avhcn I see men, who call themselves states- 
men and who should, at least, be men of sense, advocating measures, of 
Avhich the certain effect must be to irritate the Southern mind to madness, 
to inflame it to desperation — measures which destroying every lingering 
remnant of Union feeling, must unite all parties at the South, and con- 
vince them that they have nothing to gain, but on the contrary CA'ery thing 
to lose, by submission — then, I cannot resist the conviction that these men, 
Avhom I Avill not accuse of being fools, are therefore enemies to the Union, 
enemies far more dangerous than the rebels in arms, because armed Avith 
far more power to do mischief, traitoi's as black, traitors with less excuse, 
than the Arch-traitor of all, William L. Yancey." 

AVhen tlie terrible Civil strife commenced Julius was kept 
coustantly busy. Day and night was he working at his post of 
duty, hardly having breathing time or opportunity to snatch a 
moment's repose. The country was in such a condition of afiairs 
that it required the utmost vigilance and attention to official 
duties for every man connected with the management of its 
interests. Departmental and Bureau occupation meant icork and 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 357 

real, hard, solid worJc for its Officers and employes, and lie was 
not the one to falter or endeavor to escape from his share of the 
heavy burden. In addition to his regular duties at the Office 
he was also detailed in command of the entire War Dept. build- 
ing per order of Gen. Scott, Commander-in-chief of the Array. 
Many prominent Officers were thus given charge of all the 
principal public buildings in the City, there being apprehension 
that at any moment an attack might be made upon the Capitol. 
This, of course, entailed additional labor. Many a night, more- 
over, did he have to assume, like others, command of troops that 
l)atrolIed the Long Bridge (which communicates with the shores 
of Virginia) and the other surroundings of Wasliington. 

In the early part of 1861, the Adjutant General, Col. Cooper, 
resigned and went South to assume the same position in the 
rebel Army.. Julius was sorry to see him go, for he liked the 
genial, kind-hearted Officer. Others from the Corps, high in 
rank, also tendered their resignations to follow the fortunes of 
the Southern Confederacy. The result was, that Julius was, 
like others of his Corps, promoted to a higher grade to fill a 
vacancy, and on May 14th he was Commission.ed Brevet Major 
and on the 3rd of August, 1861, appointed full Major in the 
Adjutant General's Corps. 

On May 14, 1861, Brevet Major Irvin McDowell, of the same 
Corps, was appointed Brigadier General in the Regular Array 
and Julius thus became the Senior Assistant to Colonel (subse- 
quently, August 3, 1861, appointed Brigadier General) Lorenzo 
Thomas, the Adjutant General, successor to Colonel Cooper. 

Col. Thomas, who had been able, likewise, to appreciate 
Julius' worth as a man and abilities as an Officer, was not sorry 
to have such an able First Assistant, and he clung most tena- 
ciously to him, refusing all solicitations of his to entering upon 
an active sphere — for Julius felt it to be his duty to take the 
field — claiming that his services were invaluable in the War 
Dept., nor would he hearken to the numerous requests pressed 
by prominent Generals in the field for Julius' coming as their 
Chief of Staff. Plis answer invariably was, that Julius could 
not be spared. 

The duties of Julius now became of great magnitude and im- 



358 BIOQRAPIIY OF 

j)ortanc('. Not only did he liave cliarge of the general business 
of tlio CXficc, l)ut lie was also overburdened with the immense 
jiiid (•()m])li('at('d machinery of the military eommissions. He 
was really the acting Adjutant General, because Col. Thomas 
deferred entirely to his superior judgment and business capabil- 
ities. It was a very toilsome though brilliant position, and 
Julius worked hard and faithfully to keep up to all its require- 
ments. It was really too much work for one man to do alcjue, 
because tiiough assisted by talented and worthy younger officers, 
still he had to guide and direct them, for they as yet lacked the 
experience — being nearly all, if not all, newly appointed to the 
Corps — and all this entailed additional labor. Yet he never 
hesitated, never shrunk from the path of duty; but directed all 
his mind, all his energies to the consummation of all that was 
expected of him : and as an evidence of their a})preciatiou of his 
sci'vices his Superiors always consulted him upon matters of im- 
jiortance. He was the means of procuring commissions for many 
worthy subjects. It was at his suggestion and by his advice that 
Capt. Edward O. C. Ord of the Artillery, a warm ])orsonal 
friend, then serving in the West, received his commission of 
])rigadier General in the Volunteers, and, as Julius afterwards 
remarked to a relative, "I was thus the means of procuring the 
iirst success of the Army of the Potomac," referring to the affair 
at Draincsville, Va. 

He was instrumental in procuring for Gen. Rosecrans his posi- 
tion as Brigadier General in the liegular Ai'my, though he had 
only hoped to secure liim such a rank in the Vohuitecrs, and was 
cousc(piently very much elated when the appointment was made 
out in the Regular Army instead. He and Rosecrans had been 
together at West Point, he being the senior by a year, and had 
there and subsequent to their graduation formed a strong mutual 
friendship. It was a source of pleasure to him to be able now 
to assist this friend, when he had the power and could legiti- 
mately do so. 

The following remarks of Col. Alex. J. Dallas U. S. A., re- 
tired, show how Julius was looked up to in his office by his em- 
jtloi/rn and others, and demonstrate his perfect and unvarying 
conduct at his desk under any and all circumstances : — 



LIEUT. CDL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 359 

"I made the acquaintance of Major Gare8ch6 under the following cir- 
cumstancesi. I had left New York and gone to Washington, where I had 
enlisted in a District Battalion, early in 18G1 — April. At that time Maj. 
C!arosch6 was the active working officfn- in tlic Adjt. Gcnl's Oflicc. Gen. 
Thomas was the A<ljutant (Jcncral but relied very much on liini. Maj. 
Garesche was especially concerned in the organization of the new regular 
regiments. Needing another clerk, he enquired where he could find one 
among tiic enlisted men in the District, stipulating — so my informant told 
me, wiien he proposed the place to me — that he should be a Catholic and 
a gentleman. lie was to occupy a desk in his own office. I accepted the 
offer, was accordingly detailed and reported to Major Garesch^. 

" It was in tlie old War Department building. The room was the first 
one on the left as you entered from 17th street. His desk was placed on 
the Avenue side of the room, and my taljle so arranged that my back was 
to 17 til street. 

" It is needless to say that I was much impressed with my (Jiiief, There 
was no display either in dress or manner. I princi|)ally fidt a certain 
calm not cold reserve, which I afterwards saw grew out of an intense 
condition of recollection — spiritually speaking. He was always ready to 
respond, when spoken to, and needed no apparent effort of mind to do so. 
Was always amiable, never out of temper. 

"During the time I thus served in his Office, (about two months) I 
think I may safely say, no day passed without a hundred interruptions 
of the regular business of tlie Room. It was invaded by every kind of 
people. Officers, clerks, messengers, civilians. No catalogue could be con- 
structed of the immense variety of queries addressed to him. The entry 
of these visitors was as various in style and manner as in their personality, 
— yet under no circumstances whatever did I ever notice a change in the 
constant urljanity and sweetness of his temper. And it must be said that 
it was by no moans infrequent that good occasion was given to resent im- 
portunity, ignorant impertinence, or baffle unwarranted curiosity. Under 
no condition did his uniform charity fail. 

" To myself, he was goodness personified. I generally reached the Office 
before him, and saw his correspondence placed in order on his desk. On 
his entering I rose and stood at attention till he was seated. His greeting 
was always kind, but witliout effusiveness. Ilis first act, after glancing 
at his letters, was to draw from one of his pockets a small leathern bound 
volume.* I afterwards knew this to be a book of devotion. This evi- 



-$^ 



-This little book of devotion was a copy of St. Thomas a Kempis or 
De Imitatione Christi, written in Latin, and in very fine print. Its brown 
kid cover was made for him by his friend, Si.ster Lucy, a Sister of Charity 
and the Superioress of the Community and Orphan Asylum, corner 10th 
and G streets in Washington. In the first part of the book there is given 
the whole of the New Testament. Julius read a chapter from the De Imita- 
tione Christi regularly every day. Many years prior he had made a vow 



360 BIOGRAPHY OF 

dcntly was a daily habit, as it was never omitted. Come who mif^ht diir- 
inii' this practice, he never was ruflled. Phicinjj his forcfin<^cr within tlie 
book, he revolved his chair and sat fixcing his visitor. If an old friend, 
with a soljer smile ; if a stranj^er, with a collected and enquiring counte- 
nance. The visitor gone, the book was resumed. 

" The times were such, that if ever a man might be expected to show 
petulance at interruption, excitement at the unexpected, even enthusiasm, 
it might be looked for then. That his evenness of temperament often 

to perform this worthy act of devotion without fail each day, and he rigidly 
kept true to his vow, though, as ho afterwards assured a relative, he found 
it sometimes exceedingly diflBcult to do so, owing to occasional forgetfulness 
and frequently to its being almost an impossibility, from lack of a spare 
moment. Many a day ho had been so extremely busy as not to have the 
opportunity and had completelj' forgotten it, and only when he had retired 
to rest in the evening, utterly worn out in mind and body, and was dozing, 
off into a profound slumber, did the recollection of this devotion recur to 
his mind, when he would at once rise to perform it. Again, other circum- 
stances would occur to make him forget. Still he never failed to carry out 
his pious vow, even when in Texas on a scout or in Tennessee on the field 
of battle, and compelled to do so late at night and by the dim, flickering 
light of a tallow candle or the uncertain glimmering of the stars. More- 
over, as this devotional book had been printed in an exceedingl}' fine, mi- 
nute type, it was trying to the eye to read, even in broad daylight and with 
every convenience. He always carried this little book with him wherever 
he went, — he never used a prayer book, but always meditated during the 
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, — so as to read his Chapter eacii day, and just 
before his death lie was seen stealthily to glance at its pages. It was after- 
wards found on his remains and sent to his sorrowing widow, together with 
his West Point class ring and others of his possessions, and she presented 
the book to Father Fred as a loving souvenir of his dear brother. Father 
Fred kept it for many years, intending to give it to Julius' son, Louis, 
when he should arrive at the proper age to value this holy and cherished 
relic. "When the latter was in his graduating year at the St. Louis Uni- 
versity, Father Fred one day sent fur him and gave iiim the book, telling 
him its history and saying that he had kept it for him until the present 
moment, when he could fully appreciate this priceless souvenir of his noble 
and sainted father. Thereupon Louis, in the enthusiasm of boyhood, for 
he was only eighteen, and in his love for that dear father's memory, declared 
that he too would read a chapter from it every day. But his good Un(jle 
said : " No, my dear boy, you must nuike no such rash promise. Remean- 
ber that a vow is binding and you would not pleasd your father by making 
one in this case. He himself always regretted his, owing to his ditficulty 
in keeping it. But you may read a chapter daily, for it is an excellent and 
a pious action, and the reading will do you great good ; but make no vow.'^ 
Julius had another St. Thomas a Kempis, written in French, and pre- 
sented to him by his attached cousin, Bauduy P. Garesche. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 361 

astonished me, goes without saying, but I soon came to learn why this 
was, and to change surprise to admiration for a character so equally 
poised, but so wonderfully .and thoroughly under Christian control. 

"I had no intimacy with him. I sometimes think, from what I saw% 
that he had but few of what the world calls intimates. He must, indeed, 
have found but few who spiritually speaking were so exalted as himself. 
But while thus to outward view, rapt and in-attentive to passing events, it 
was far from ])eing so when a kind or charitable act attracted him. Thus, 
when my term of service was abont to expire, ho voluntarily enquired as 
to my future plans. And to his kind advice and direct personal effort I 
owed my commission as Captain in the 12th U. S. Infantry. 

"When I left Washington to join my regiment, our paths diverged, 
never again to cross in this world." 

During the first year of the War there was some talk of Gari- 
baldi coming over to join the Union Army with the rank of a 
Major General. 

Now this man was the avowed enemy of the Church, and had 
been the most active and efficient of those who had despoiled 
His Holiness, Pius the Ninth, of the time honored patrimony of 
St. Peter. Julius, in iiis Catholic indignation, could not bear 
to see the cause which he upheld degraded or insulted by such 
advocacy ; nor could he contemplate with any patience the possi- 
bility of being associated with one whom he despised so thor- 
oughly. He thought it would be well to make a public ])rotest, 
and accordingly he wrote to an illustrious Catholic prelate, well 
known as an earnest friend of the Union, and an advocate of 
the War, to propose that two or three Officers of high rank, 
Catholics over whom he had great influence, should join with 
himself and resign their commissions, in case it became certain 
that Garibaldi was to accept the invitation and assume rank in 
the Army. No answer was sent to this proposal and in the 
sequence Garibaldi did not come: still Julius would willingly 
have entered into his proposed agreement, which would, of 
course, have failed had he alone taken the step. 

Julius was very indignant at the outcry made against Gen.* 
Chas. P. Stone for the disastrous affair of Leesburg, or Ball's Bluff, 

* A graduate of West Point and subsequently an officer of the Ordnance 
Corps. After the War he entered the service of the Khedive of Egypt and 
became his Chief of Staff and Lieut. General of his Armies. 



362 BIOORAPHY OF 

in October, 1861 ; and indignant at wliat he called the pusillani- 
mous action of those who should have upheld and defended Stone. 
A true friend in adversity as well as in prosperity, he did what 
he could to alleviate the bitterness of feeling of this unjustly 
condemned Officer. 

When General Sherman represented the need of large forces 
being sent to Kentucky, Julius, who was a friend of his and saw 
with Sherman's eyes the necessity of this movement, stood up 
staunchly for him with President Lincoln and others when his, 
Sherman's,' representations were ridiculed. But Julius did not 
live long enough to see these views verified. 

Remarks of General Henry J, Hunt, U. S. A., retired, now 
Governor, of the Soldiers' Home, Washington, D. C. 

" Col. Garcsch6 and I wore at West Point together for two years, where 
I formed a high opinion of his character and capacity ; but as his Class was 
two years junior to mine, and after graduation he was assigned to a dif- 
ferent regiment, — though in the same arm of service, — our associations 
became of a very desultory character. Still I mot him frequently, espe- 
cially whilst he was stationed in Washington in the first year of the Civil 
War, and the year or two immediately preceding, when I was a frequent 
visitor at his house. 

"It is needless to say, that like every one who knew him, I esteemed 
h™ highly as an Officer, and as a man, loved him for his many excellent 
qualities, his blameless life, his abounding charity, his elevated character 
as a Christian, a gentleman, and a man. 

" In this, however, I believe that I only shared in the common senti- 
ment. He impressed me as a man of singularly pure character and high 
principles. lie was Hxithful to the end in all his duties towards God and 
man, and when I heard that he had laid down his life in the discharge of 
his duty, I felt that it was a loss not only to his family and friends, but to 
the Army and the Country." 



LIEUT. COL. JULWS P. GARESCHE. 363 



CHAPTER XXXYI. 

Julius' wish to go into action and Gen. Tliomas' refusal — additional remarks 
of Gen. Don Carlos Buell — Capt. Fry's Telegram and Letter — Letter of 
Gen. Geo. H. Thomas — telegram of Gen. Halleck — refusal of Secretary 
Stanton and Gen. Lorenzo Thomas — Julius' ideas regarding some of the 
appointments then being made — his Article relative to the bestowal of the 
vacancies of Second Lieutenant in the new regiments — Secretary Stanton's 
dislike for him — Major Lee's legislation out of the Army — instance of 
Julius' strict adherence to military discipline and President Lincoln's 
tenders to him of a Brigadier General's commission — Gen. Ord's letter. 

Julius, who Imd never as yet been engaged in action on the 
field of battle, felt that his honor and duty required that he too 
should particij)ate, like so many other brother Officers, in the 
terrible conflict then going on, and he accordingly requested Gen. 
Thomas to relieve him and assign him to a field capacity; but, 
as I have shown, his Chief M'as unwilling to part with him and 
accordingly refused his request. The following additional re- 
marks of Gen. Don Carlos Buell mention this desire. 

" Soon after I entered upon command in Kentucky, I received a letter 
from Major Garesche, in which he dwelt upon his impatient desire not to 
remain in Washington while there were sacrifices and responsibilities to 
be encountered in the field, and asked me to apply for his assignment to 
the Staff of Genl. George 11. Thomas, not wishing to interfere with Capt. 
Fry, his junior in rank, who had previously been assigned to duty on my 
staff, and who, indeed, was every way acceptable to me. But my personal 
regard for Major Garesche, and my unwillingness to see him in a position 
subordinate to that of an oflBcer to whom he was senior in his Department, 
caused me to discourage his wish in that respect." 

Capt. Fry''s Telegram. 
" Camp near Pittsburg Landing, Tenn., April 12th, 1862. 
" Major J. P. Garesche, 
" A. G. OflBce. 
" Halleck is here. If you would like to leave Washington, you might 
join him. Cullom not here. I am ranking Adjutant General, but would 
prefer staying with Buell and have some one who ranks with me with 
Halleck. 

" Under what law am I appointed Colonel and from what date? 

"J. B. Fry, 

" A. A. Gen'L, and Chief of Staff." 



364 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Capt. Fry''s Letter to Julius. 

" Camp near Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. 

"April 14, 1862. 
" My dear Major, 

'• I have just received my letter of appointment as Colonel etc.. and your 
px'ivate note. I am exceedingly obliged to you for your interest in my 
welfare and for the watch you have kept over the good of the Corps to 
which we belong. I agree with you fully in regard to these appointments, 
but you arc right in say^ing they should not be denied to us when they are 
extended to every one else. No one can appreciate the hardship of serving 
on a large Staff with important duties and junior rank unless they try it. 

" I telegraphed to you last night in regard to your joining Ilalleck. 
General Buell thinks you would like to do so and I would like to see you 
there, provided j'ou desire a change. I am a little out of position just now 
as Ilalleck is here in Chief Command and has McLean with him, who is 
my junior, while I serve with a subordinate Commander. It is not a 
matter o( much consequence I knoAv, but I don't feel exactly satisfied with 
it and in talking the matter over with Buell he said he thought you would 
like to come, which would set us all right. I really wish you would do so, 
both on our account and your own. I don't think the Office in "Washing- 
ton has a right to your services any longer, and although you are doubt- 
less appreciated there you will not be properly rewarded for your hard 
work and the. wear on your constitution. I am speaking frankly and 
know you would not suspect me of any attempt at flattery. 

" With best wishes and hoping you will join Ilalleck, 

" I am yours truly, 

*• James B. Fry." 

Letter of Maj. Gen. Geo. H. Thomas to Julius. 

"Camp near Corinth, Miss., 

" May 16th, 1862. 
" Dear Garesche, 

" A^out ten days ago Fry wrote me a note, saying you were very anxious 
to get into the field and Avere desirous of being with me, and that if I 
would make application you Avould be ordered to join me at once. I went 
the next morning to see Gen. Ilalleck, to get him to assist me in getting 
you, and he very kindly telegraphed at once, asking to have you placed on 
his Staff as an Additional Aide, for the purpose of placing you with me. 
If the Adjt. Genl. has not acted on his application, I wish you would write 
me by what means I can get you and I will take the necessary steps imme- 
diately, as I am as anxious to have you as you are to get with me. 

"We are gradually closing in on Corinth and the attack will be made 
in a very few days now, unless the enemy evacuate. 

" I received your article on the course to be pursued towards the South, 
for which please accept my thanks. Your views and mine exactly corre- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 3^5 

spond. I believe if I had not been particularly cautious at Camp Dick 
Kobinson that we should never have succeeded in that part of the State. 
" Write me immediately." 

Gen. Halleck^s Telegram. 

"Monterey, May 12th, 1862. 

" Hon. E, M. Stanton, Sec'y. of War, 

Washington, D. C. 

"I hereby nominate J. P. Garesch^, of the Adjutant General's Dept., as 

Aide-de-Camp with the rank of Colonel, in order that he may be Adjutant 

General of the Right AVing of this Army. 

"11. W. IIalleck. 

Mnj. Gen"l. 
"Official: 

" J. C. Kelton, 

A. A. G." 

The endorsement on Gen']. Thomas' application was to the 
same effect. 

So invaluable, however, were Julius' services considered in 
Washington by the Secretary of War and Gen'l. Lorenzo 
Thomas, the Adjutant General, that the above request, like 
others of its kind, before and afterwards, was refused. 

While Julius was desirous of going to Gen. Geo. H. Thomas, 
a personal friend, still he did not think that he was by virtue of 
the law authorized to receive this appointment of Colonel, in 
view of the fact, as erroneously given him in Washington, that 
he had been recommended for the appointment directly by Gen. 
Geo. H. Thomas, who was not a Major General in the Regular 
Army and therefore not entitled to make such a recommendation, 
and not by Gen. Halleck, who held such a rank, at the earnest 
request of Gen. Thomas. 

The following Manuscript of Julius embodies his ideas on the 
subject of some of the appointments then being made. 

" While so many of my juniors have been promoted over my head to be 
Colonels, Brig. Generals, even Major Generals, that I should no longer 
conceive myself at liberty to decline any legitimate promotion, which 
might be tendered me, I much regret, therefore, that the appointment of 
Additional Aide-de-Camp with the rank of Colonel, just ofiFered me, is such 
as I could not for a moment think of accepting. When perfectly well 
aware that I have not been recommended for the appointment by any 
' Major General of the Regular Army, Commanding forces of the U. S. in 



366 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the field,' I cannot recognize the legality of an appointment, of which the 
Act of Aug. 5, 1861, makes such i-ecommendation an essential condition 
and therefore could not conscientious!}' accept of it. While even had I 
been so recommended, I should still feel averse to taking my place among 
the number of those who have been thus saddled upon the Staffs of Major 
Generals, who neither had seen, nor knew, nor cared for them, and wore 
vei'y far from desiring their services. Xor, as a military man, do I care 
to be classed among civilians doing purely civil duty, telegraph operators, 
rail-road officials, &c., who under favor of the Act of August 5, 1861, are 
ranked as Additional Aides-de-Camp in the Army, for the purpose of ena 
bling them to draw the pay and emoluments of Colonels. Regarding such 
appointments as made even in violation of this india-rubber law, I do not 
choose to be included among them. Finally, I regard the law itself, as 
unconstitutional. For, with the exception only 'of such inferior officers 
as Congress may think proper" to except, it is made the duty of the Presi- 
dent, by the Constitution, to appoint 'all other officers of the U. S. whose 
appointments are established by law, by and iciih the advice and consent of 
the Senate.' And neither the President, the Senate, nor Congress itself 
has any right to make a rule to the contrary, and any law to the contrary 
is necessarily unconstitutional and void. 

" Now, that a Colonel in the Army is not an ' inferior officer,'' within 
the meaning of the Constitution, is a fact which I presume no man 
acquainted with the Constitution and the laws formulated will venture to 
contest. Indeed it is no longer an open question. When, as we know, 
not even a Second Lieutenant can be appointed in the xVrmy, except by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a fortiori no Colonel can." 

Julius prepared and wrote the followiug for the consideration 

of the Secretary of War, a^ the request of the Adjutant General. 

"Adjutant General's Office, • 

"Washington, April 15, 1SC2. 
"Sir: 

" Allow me to claim your attention for a brief space, while, in compli- 
ance with my own duty, and in a matter of vital importance to those whom 
it concerns, I make appeal on their behalf to your known sense of justice 
and honor. On the 4tli of May, of last year, the President decided to add 
ten regiments of regular troops to the army of the United States. In the 
General Order in which this intention was proclaimed (See G. 0. No. 16 
herewith) the Department pledged itself, before the whole country, to be- 
stow all of the original vacancies of Second Lieutenant in these new regi- 
ments, together with vne-half of all which should subsequently occur in 
that grade, upon the most deserving Sergeants of these regiments, ' on the 
recommendations of their Colonels, approved by the Gena-als commanding 
Brigades.'' This promise and invitation were publicly, and even more em- 
phatically, repeated in G. 0. No. lUl, of Nov. 20, 18G1, (copy herewith). 
May I beg that you will read this last order. Numbers of young men. 



/ 






LIFA'T. GOL. JULIUS P. GARESCIIE. 3G7 

• 

many of tluMu of tho highest promise, have enlistotl in those regiments on 
the iaith of this j-e-iterated pledge. The inducement tluis heUl out to 
thorn, is ])urt of the contract into which thoy liave entered with tlie Oov- 
ernincnt. They have a right to insist upon its exact fuUilhiicnt. IJut I 
feel bound to say, the contract would not be fulfilled, it would, on the con- 
trary, be plainly violated, if instead of leaving to the officers comnninding, 
wdio best know all the Sergeants of a regiment, the selection of those to 
be promoted, the selection be left to members of Congress, who can know 
notiiing of the military qualities or conduct, of all the Sergeants of a regi- 
ment and will naturally endeavor to procure the appointment of sucli as 
have iniluence with them, to the necessary exclusion of those who have- 
only their courage, modesty, and merit, to plead in their favor. 

" Now, I ^ave excellent reasons for believing that not a few young men 
belonging to the former class have enlisted in these regiments, not with 
any intention of standing a fair competition upon their merits, but with 
the single purpose of thus more easily enabling their friends to proeure 
them commissions in the army. Indeed, there is one instance known to 
me, in which before the ink was well dry upon the enlistment contract 
entered into by one young man, his father had posted on to Washington, 
and upon the mere strength of his son's having enlisted succeeded in ol)- 
taining him an appointment of Second Lieutenant, in the regiment, in 
which he could hardly yet bo said to have attained to the dignity even of 
a recruit. 

" Under these eircnmstancos, I beg leave again to renew my earnest 
recommendation, that the rule laid down for promotion in these nrgiments 
may hereafter be strictly adiiered to, that the promises made, be faithfully 
kept, and that, as far as possible, the appointments of Second Lieutenants 
in them shall be the reward of gallantry and ellicient service in the ficdd. 

"Having thus acquitted myself of tins duty which T owe to myself, to 
you, and to the Army, in bringing this matter fairly under your notice, 

"I am, Sir, very respectfully, 

" Your obd't. serv't. 

*' Adjutant Ceneral." 

In tlie early part of 18G2 Mr, Stanton was made Secretary of 
War. At the very beginning, struck by Jnlius' marked abilities 
he endeavored to attach him to himself; but finding that he did 
not respond, and would not conform to any of his tyrannical 
measures, but was content to do his duty, he became his bitter 
enemy. 

One evening, when one of Julius' brothers was staying with 
him on a visit. Major John F. Leo, Judge Advocate General of 
the Army, a Catholic and a warm friend, called. When the 



368 BIOGRAPHY OF 

■ 

Major rose to leave Julius accompanied him to the front door, 
making a sign for his brother to remain where he was, and spent 
some few moments in earnest conversation Avith him there. On 
his return to the parlor, apologizing to his brother for his action 
and lengthened stay, he said that it Avas necessary for him to 
speak alone to the Major and to communicate to him the sad 
intelligence that Secretary Stanton had had him legislated out of 
office, out of the Army, and that Stanton would do as much for * 
himself if he could. 

As au instance of Julius' strict adherence to discipline, I men- 
tion the following, indicating how he was opposed to receiving 
a promotion, excepting lawfully, because as a Eegular Army 
Officer he deemed such a promotion illegal. 

On May 6th, 1862, he received the following telegram from 
Major General Irvin McDowell. 

" Falmouth, Va., May Gth, 1862. 
"Would you like a Brigade in my command? I should be delighted if 
you could come and take Ord's and he ■would be so too. If you say so, 
I will take immediate steps to try for your appointment. Answer by 
telegraph." 

The President himself tendered him the commission of Brisa- 
dier General of Volunteers and command of this Brigade that 
had been Gen. Ord's before he was appointed Major General of 
Volunteers. The Officers and men also added their earnest 
entreaties for him to come and be their commander. But Julius 
respectfully but firmly declined the proffered honor, Avilling 
enough to accept the command but not the commission, and 
when still urged to accept by the Brigade Officers his answer 
was, " I am ready, gentlemen, to command your Brigade, but 
only with my present rank and title of Major; and as it would 
be mortifying, I know, for your Colonels and Lieut. Colonels to 
be thus commanded, by a subordinate in rank, I must decline 
your kind wishes." Such, however, was the esteem he was held 
in, that these Officers actually presented a request to Secretary 
Stanton, in accordance with this stipulation of his, but the latter 
indignantly refused it. 

Julius was several times afterwards personally requested by 
President Lincoln to accept a Brigadier General's commission, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 369 

but for the same reason he each time declined. He was anxious 
to enter the field, but tlien only in his legitimate rank, unwilling 
to accept a higher grade excepting by rotation of lineal rank and 
lawfully, unless he should have first gained the right to it by 
active service in the front. 

He held the theory that the President had no right to confer 
commissions on Volunteers, that they were State troops and their 
officers should be appointed and commissioned by the Governors 
of their States. This question had been discussed at the epoch 
of the Mexican War and he probably then formed his opinion. 

The following letter of Gen. Ord to him after Ord's promo- 
tion to a Major Generalship, shows how Julius was regarded by 
those in the field. 

" Camp near Falmouth, Va., May 24, 1862. 
"My dear Major, 

" Thank you for your kind and very compliraentary note — compli- 
mentary because it is so earnest and so true, and I am sure you would 
not write all you feel to every one. In your honest determination to do 
right every one is sure of what your course will be, and that you will 
work with all your might in any and every place, no matter how arduous 
or irksome the duties." 

Again Ord says: 

" I am like yourself more and more anxious for the fate of the Union. 
I have almost given it up, but Providence may take matters in hand and 
bring us out all right. You are doing more good at Washington than you 
could do in any other capacity that I know of, from a Major U. S. A. down 
to a Major General of Vols. I hope you will stay there and pray for our 
country in its troubles. You are a prouder man now and with more reason 
than President Lincoln. I assure you I would gladly change places, if I 
thought I could fill yours as you do." 



24 



370 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Julius' handsome and graceful appearance — anecdote of shovelling in his 
own coal — his passion for Music — birth of Adele — his visits to the poor 
and to the Hospitals, alone and with his children — regard of the Author- 
ities for his good works — Mariquitta's loving complaint to her Confessor 
and his answer — Julius' connection with reorganization of the Adjutant 
General's Corps — appointed Lieut. Colonel — his charitable proposition to 
his brother Officers — a writer's remarks — rising at night to pray — visiting 
the Blessed Sacrament and saluting it when passing bj' — anecdote of see- 
ing his little girls about to enter a Protestant church, and his advice to 
them and their brother regarding money they had found — a general favor- 
ite with the children on his square — his extreme near-sightedness and 
Mariquitta's teasings — his perfect devotion to his familj' — his objection to 
carrying an umbrella — when he used the " I)u Rocher" part of his sur- 
name. 

Julius was not only tall, erect, splendidly proportioned and 
posse.ssed of an elegant figure but he was also remarkable for his 
extreme gracefulness that displayed itself in every motion of his 
body. When walking along the street, or standing talking in 
the parlor, though perfectly unconscious of it, he was yet the 
centre of attraction for every admiring eye. His very great near- 
sightedness and total forgetful ness of self served alike to prevent 
his noticing this admiration, as otherwise his humility would 
have been deeply wounded and taken the alarm. 

A lady living in his neighborhood and a frequent caller on 
ISIariquitta, said that she had often seen men shovelling in coal 
but had never known that it could be performed gracefully, until 
on looking out of her window one day she saw Major Garesch6 
performing this menial labor before his own hou.se. He was 
doing it for the exercise and entirely oblivious of the fact that 
any one was remarking it ; antl yet it appeared to her as if he 
ennobled the work, for his whole action was so free and easy, so 
extremely graceful, that it seemed more the elegant occupation 
of a prince than the toilsome drudgery of a hired servant. 

Julius was passionately fond of music, and during his spare 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 371 

moments loved to hear his Mariquitta play on her piano. She 
had been carefully taught this accomplisiinient in her g;irlliood 
and was a superb performer. His favorite air was the " Mkerere" 
from the Oj)era of II Trovatore. The touching pathos of this 
beautiful, sad melody awoke a responsive echo in his tender 
hearted bosom. Subsequently, just as the funeral ceremonies in 
his honor at St. Aloysius' Church were concluding, the full 
Marine Band, stationed in the gallery for that purpose, played 
til is — his favorite air — and with such feeling, that it seemed as 
if each and every musician realized to the fullest degree how 
dearly he had loved its beautiful, pathetic nmsic and wanted now 
to make his own instrument pay full liomage to Julius' loved 
selection. At the same moment the Church bells tolled with 
such slow, solemn, and melancholy iinpressiveness, that the effect 
of the whole combined together was to produce in the minds of 
that vast congregation an impression never before or since felt. 
There was not a dry eye in that entire edifice, and their heartfelt 
tears spoke volumes for the love and respect they bore his life- 
less remains reposing before the Altar at which he had so often 
worshiped. 

On Tuesday, the 11th of February, 1862, Mariquitta pre- 
sented him at Washington with her fourth girl and eighth and 
last child. The little thing was baptized Adele Marie on the 
13th of the same month by Rev. B. A. Maguire, S. J., Mari- 
quitta's Confessor and the eloquent Assistant Pastor of St. Aloy- 
sius'. Its Godparents were its little brother Louis, little sister 
Octavie and aunt Adele de Laureal. 

Julius' heart was gladdened at the sight of his baby; for, as 
he had confessed in one of his letters to his wife, his babies had 
an inexpressible charm for him, they were so sweet, and their 
little souls so angelic and pure. 

In addition to his charitable visits to the poor and unfortunate 
Julius also visited the numerous Military Hospitals in the city, 
full to overflowing with wounded soldiers, and in his charity of 
heart he soothed, alleviated and ministered to the wants of these 
unfortunate men, thus cut oif from the tender solicitude of their 
loving families. Many a poor fellow breathed his last, heaping 
benedictions on the kind hand and gentle heart that had tran- 



372 BIOGRAPHY OF 

qiiilliwd and made his last, sad, and uuhappy raoraenta appear 
briglit and joyful. 

When his little children were very good he would as a reward 
frequently take them walking with him to visit some of the |X>or, 
where there was no danger of any infection, and thus give them, 
beside the pleasure of a walk with their dear Papa, an insight 
into the beauties of Christian charity. Often, too, he would 
ti\ke his little Louis on his visits to the Hospitals, and the child, 
young as he was, could not but notice the deep resj)ect and almost 
filial alFection shown by the poor wounded and sick soldiers, as 
also by their attendants, for his beloved Father, and how their 
wan, sutlering faces would light up when he came beside their 
couch of pain. 

The Authorities regarded his good and merciful works with 
such esteem that the following permit, — a great and wonderful 
one to be given at this time of war to any one, even to a Minis- 
ter of Relio-ion — was accorded him by the Sursjeon General of 
the Army. 

"Surgeon General's Office, 

" Washington, July 5, 1S62. 

*' The bearer, Major J. P, Garesch^, Asst. Adjt, Gen. U. S. A., has per- 
mission to visit any of the Hospitals in the Military Department of Wash- 
ington." 

Mariquitta would sometimes in a half joking, lialf serious 
manner complain to her Confessor, Father Maguire, that her hus- 
band was not treating his family right, that she hardly nowadays 
saw him excepting at night time, because he was absent all day 
at his Office and his evenings were spent with tiie sick, wounded 
and poor. The Rev. Father answered, that Julius must not be 
blamed, since he was so meritoriously performing his duty. 

It appeared to him, as it did to all who saw them together at 
home, that Julius and Mariquitta were more like two young 
innocent lovers than man and wife, they seemed so wrapt up in 
one another and yet with such a pure, modest and holy love, 
more akin to a divine than to a human affection. 

It was Julius who, in early part of 1862, drew up the })lan 
for the better organization of the Adjutant General's Dept. ; 
wrote the Letter describing the necessity of the same and its 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 373 

accompanying draught of Bill giving the organization proposed ; 
and then was mainly instrumental, through his own endeavors, 
in iiaving the measure passed by Congress. 

Since the begiiniing of the War, it had become plainly appar- 
ent that the Adjutant General's Dept., needed to be reorganized. 
The work of this Bureau, the most important one in the Army, 
had increased to a manifold degree, but its Officers had received 
no increase of rank. There was no justice in this, as Julius' 
accompanying Letter will explain : it was injurious to the well- 
being and efficiency of the Corps. This Letter of his, which is 
signed by Adjutant General Thomas, embodies the history of the 
proposed reorganization and following it is the Bill passed by 
Congress and approved July 17, 1862, which contains the reor- 
ganization proposed by Julius. 

In the Senate, Senator Henry Wilson of Massachusetts, of the 
Committee on Military Affiiirs and the Militia, to whom was 
referred the Bill for the better organization of the Adjutant Gen- 
eral's Dept., reported it without amendment. He was one of its 
staunchest supporters in the Senate as was Mr. Dunn, of the 
Committee on Military Affiiirs, in the House of Representatives. 
The proposed measure met a bitter opposition in the Senate from 
Senator Jas. W. Nesmith of Oregon who fought it most per- 
sistently and bitterly. It passed, however, the majority of both 
Houses seeing the full justice of it, and it became a law on the 

17th of July, 1862. 

"War Department, 

" Washington City, April 29, 1862. 
" Chairman Military Committee, , 

"House of Representatives. 
"Sir: 

" The Adjutant General has submitted to me the letter addressed by him 
to you of this date, respecting a bill for the better organization of the Ad- 
jutant General's Office. 

" My own observation has satisfied me that thei'e are in the service no 
more diligent, faithful, and meritorious officers than those engaged in the 
Adjutant General's Office, and the proposed change is not only required 
by justice to them, but will contribute much to the advantage of the 
service. 

" Yours truly, 

"Edwin M. Stanton, 

" Secretary of War." 



374 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"Apjutant General's Office, 

" WAsniNOTON, April 29, 1S62. 
"IIox. Francis P. Bi.air, Jr.. 

'' riiainiian of the House Committee on Military Aftairs. 

o 1 1\ : 

" 111 asking Congress, as I am about to do. to give increased rank to the 
oftioors of my corps, I shall not dwell on the part taken by them in raising 
and organizing the vast and efficient army now in the field. I shall not 
even refer to the immense proportions assumed by that army since the 
close of the last (or extra) session of Congress, and which liavc devolved 
siu'li an extraordinary amount of labor on this office, and on the officers of 
the corps generally, and so lai-gely added to the i-esponsibility and import- 
ance of the duties performed by these gentlenien. Tliere are other reasons 
than these for making the request, reasons vitally atlooting tlie well-being 
and efficiency of the corps, and which I will endeavor to state as briedy as 
possible. 

" 1. According to the regulations of our army, and to the theor\- and. 
customs of our service, the assistant adjutant general of every army, army 
corps, division, and brigade, is, by the very nature of his otBce. chief of 
the start' on Avhich he serves. Under the commanding officer, he directs 
the service of all the other departments of the staff, and of the whole 
command. His rank ought certainly to bear some proportion, then, to 
the paramount importance of his duties, as well as to tlie superior intelli- 
gence, knowledge, and ability, by aid of which alone can he hope to dis- 
charge them properly. But so very far is this from being the case now 
that the assistant adjutant general of General McClellan's arniy. tliough 
one of the highest oWicers of the corps, is but a major, and the assistant 
adjutant general of the armies of Generals Halleck and Buell, respectively, 
are but captain^'. Yet the armies cited are the largest in our service : and 
in European armies of the same size the one would have been a field 
marshal, the other two lieutenant generals. As a consequence, then, of 
the very inferior rank held by these officers, they are thrust aside from 
their rightful positions. Inspectors general, additional aides-de-camp, and 
officers of the line, are not only put over their heads, but actually put into 
their places. The whole corps suffers from this, and not only is unjustly 
disparaged in the estimation of the army, but even seriously damaged. 
So mucii so that, from having been a rorps d't'lUe, the corps above all 
others into which the clearest heads and most accomplished soldiers of the 
army were most eager to gain admittance, it is now becoming daily more 
difficult to find officers of that description who will even accept of an ap- 
pointment in it. 

'■'J. From the varieii and extensive information, and large experience 
required of an assistant adjutant general, the field of selection should be 
very wide. I'uder existing laws this field is now confined to lieutenants, 
and to this there was no objection when the period of service in that grade 



LIEUT. VOL. JULIUS P. QARESCHjf:. 375 

avcraiied fourteen years. But mnv that, owing to tlio unexampled pro- 
inotion wliieli lias taken plaee in tlie lower ranks of the anny, scarcely 
half a dozen first lieutenants can be found in tlie whole army who have 
seen one year's serviee, unless permitted to select from the grade of cap- 
tain, it will be impossible for me to recruit tlie corps wilii oHioers of tho 
requisite knowledge and experience. "Whatever, then, may be decided as 
to the higher grades, I ask for the change of the captains into majors, as 
indispensably necessary. 

"3. I liave spoken of the injustice practiced on my assistants in tho 
field, but it is not on the officers of the corps serving in tho field that tho 
present state of things bears hardest. Those on duty in this office, selected 
out of the whole c<n"ps on account of their superior fitness for tho important 
duties liere allotted to them, are those who suffer most from it. Chained 
to their duties liere, they cannot bo spared to go into the field, tliough they 
have repeatedly asked to do so, and tiiough frecpient applications have been 
made for tiieir services by our generals in command. Thus deprived of 
all opportunities of gaining distinction, cut off by tiie Senate's bill deny- 
ing them brevets, from all hope even of any recognition of tlieir arduous 
and valuable services, it is but natural that they should feel keenly tho 
injustice of their position. Tho Senate, too, has just passed a bill giving 
the rank of major to the chief of staff of a division of volunteers, and 
that of lieutenant colonel, it is believed, or colonel, which would not bo 
too mucii, to tho chief of staff of an army corps ; and yet, though tho 
duties of ray assistants hero embrace the ichoJe aniii/, they are required to 
perform them with the low rank of captain or major I There is no justice 
in this, no propriety, and though a sense of wliat I owe to the army and 
the public will not permit me to part with tliese gentlemen, 1 can well 
understand what their feelings, under the circumstances, must be, and 
cannot find it in me to blame them. As a measure of justice, then, not 
to them individually so much as to tlie department to wliioh they belong, 
and to the public' interests, for which it so assiduously labors, allow mo 
to urge upon you such n reorganization of the corps as you will find sug- 
gested in the accompanying draught of a bill respectfully submitted to 
your consideration. Under tliis bill, as you will observe, the corps, which 
is for the entire arnii/, will not equal, in aggregate rank, the mere force of 
additional aides-de-camp allotted to some of our major generals command- 
ing only portions of the whole, nor in inimber will it be increased. 

" I am, Sir, with great respect, 

"Your obedient servant, 

•'L. Thomas, 

*' Adjutant General." 

" 37th Congress, f House of Representatives. Bill No. 445. 

2d Session. I May 1, 1862. 

"Mr. Dunn, from Committee on Military Affairs, reported tho follow- 
ing Bill : 



376 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"A BILL 

" For the better organization of the Adjutant General's Department. 

" Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of Anierica in Congress assembled, That there shall be added to 
the Adjutant General's Department, by regular promotion of its present 
officers, one colonel, two lieutenant colonels, and nine majors ; and that 
the grade of captain in said department shall thereafter be abolished, and 
all vacancies occurring in the grade of major shall be filled by selection 
from among the captains of the army. 

"Approved July 17, 1862." 

On this occasion, by regular promotion (per General Orders, 
No. 87, War Dept., A. G. Office, dated July 24, 1862), Julius 
became a Lieutenant Colonel in his Corps, his appointment datinir 
from July 17, 1862. 

AVith his great and unselfish charity of heart he proposed to 
some of his brother Assistant Adjutant Generals, likewise pro- 
moted a grade higher, that they should give up their difference 
of pay for the first month to the Sanitary Commission for the 
benefit of the soldiers. To this noble and generous proposition 
they willingly, and like true Christians, at once agreed and at 
the end of the month handed over to him their surplus, happy 
to be partakers in this good deed of mercy. 

A writer of the day thus remarks of Julius : — 

" The arduous duties and tedious details of his ofiicial labors never made 
him forgetful of urbanity of manner, gentleness of speech, and readiness 
to listen patiently to any one who rightfully claimed his help. 

"I remember well how kindly, almost tenderly, he one day turned from 
his desk and took up the papers and the cause of a poor blind woman who 
came petitioning that her only son, a mere boy, might be given back to her 
from the ranks of the army." 

It was related of Julius by his own wife, that he never awoke 
during the night, but he would at once rise and kneeling down 
by the bedside say a short prayer, after which he would again 
lie down and continue his interrupted sleep. 

In passing a Catholic church he would always step in, if only 
for a few moments, and make a little Meditation before the 
Blessed Sacrament; if, however, circumstances rendered that 
impossible, he would then invariably uncover his head as he 
passed before it, as a mark of respect to our Blessed Retleemer 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 377 

])resent on its Altar in the Adorable Sacrament of the Eu- 
charist. 

Though in no manner or way the least bigoted, still as it is 
held unlawful by the Catholic Church for any of its members 
voluntarily to assist in the services of another Communion of 
Faith and not proper, though not sinful, to enter another temple 
of worship, even if but through idle curiosity, as giving thereby 
bad example, Julius would on no occasion transgress this implied 
wish of his Church and would not permit his children either to 
do so. One day he caught sight of iiis two little girls about to 
enter the Presbyterian church on New York Avenue near 13th 
and H streets. It seems they had just been to St. Matthew's 
with a little girl playmate, and on coming out and returning 
homewards down H street (Julius was then living on 11th, be- 
tween K and L streets, N. W.), as they were passing by this 
Presbyterian place of worship, this little playmate, who attended 
it, said : " Now, girls, I have been to your church with you and 
I think it only fair and right that you should visit mine with 
me." Little Marie and Tavie not understanding the fallacy 
of the argument and thinking it only right and proper to recip- 
rocate the courtesy, and seeing no harm in doing so, and, more- 
over, enjoying the spice of excitement in the affair, for they had 
never been in a Presbyterian church, acquiesced, and mounting 
the steps with her were on the point of entering, when who 
should turn around the corner but their own dear Papa. He at 
once divining their intention called them down, and in his 
kind, gentle way lovingly reproved them and explained that 
they must never visit any but a Catholic place of worship, even 
though a refusal would provoke the displeasure of their play- 
mates, and they must promise him not to do so again. And, 
thereupon, he accompanied his little girls home. They were very 
much crestfallen, for though, like their wilful, unruly, high tem- 
pered little brother, they enjoyed mischief and excitement, as 
nearly all children do; still, like him, they always felt sincerely 
sorry for having incurred their good Papa's or Mamma's dis- 
pleasure and felt for the time being in sackcloth and ashes. 

On another occasion, when his little girls and boy had acci- 
dentally found some money on the street and were going off in 



378 BIOGRAPHY OF 

a high state of glee to treat themselves to caiulv, etc., he ran 
across them, and oil inquiring where they were going and receiv- 
ing tlieir proud and joyful answer, he said very gravely : " My 
dear children, you must do nothing of the kind, for the mere 
fact of your finding this money does not give you the right to ap- 
propriate it to your own pleasures. And since we do not know 
the owner, and have no way of finding out, you should rather 
give it to the poor, and our dear Lord will bless you a hundred 
fold for this act of charity to His poor and denial of yourselves, 
and you will please dear Papa very, very much." So, instead 
of spending it as they had hoped, they put it into the Poor Box. 

Julius was a great favorite with all the children on his square 
and in the afternoon when he returned home for his dinner they 
used, like his own, to watch for him, and the moment one spied 
him coming they would all make a wild break, like a drove of 
wild steeds of the prairie, each anxious to be the first one to 
reach him and be raised aloft in his arms to receive his affection- 
ate kiss. His own little ones would sometimes get very jealous 
and be very much put out, because they had not been quick 
enough to receive this coveted first kiss. 

His extreme near-sightedness and excessive absence of mind, 
preoccupation of thought, when alone on the street, caused him 
at times groat embarrassment, and he frequently passed friends 
and acquaintances without recognizing them. Those who knew 
him appreciated this and never felt hurt when he did not recip- 
rocate their bow or failed to be the first to salute. Mariquitta 
would sometimes in the evenino-s tease him bv savins; that she 
had passed him on the street that very day and so near as 
almost to touch him, and not only he did not bow but he did not 
even speak to her, — his own dear little wife, — and she was veri/y 
very much hurt, and could never, never for(]/ive him for thus treat- 
ing her. And she would then pretend to be very sad and 
pained. At once, thinking she was in earnest, and that he had 
really hurt her feelings, he would hasten to apologize and ex- 
plain, distressed at having in the least way — even indirectly — 
grieved his darling. And after enjoying his tender, loving ex- 
planations and caresses she Avould suddenly throw her beautiful 
arms around his neck and giviuii; him the tcuderest and sweetest 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCIIE. 379 

of kisses would affectionately and laughingly say, she had only 
been shamming, teasing, and that he must forgive her. And he, 
pleased and hapi)y at the result, would cover her sweet face with 
his warm, loving kisses and pour into her willing ears his 
devoted love. And like a pair of turtle doves they would bask 
in the sunshine of one another's affection, ha])j)ier at such mo- 
ments than if they were the possessors of all the wealth of the 
world. 

Devoted as Julius was to his family his one thought in their 
regard was to spare them" all pain, all discomforts, to let misery 
be his portion, not theirs; his to be the lips that should quaff 
the chalice of suffering, not theirs; his shoulders to bear the 
burden of life's troubles, not theirs. In fine, next to God, our 
Blessed Lady, and his holy Religion, he was devoted to that 
loving home circle. 

True to his ])rofession of a soldier, he could never be per- 
suaded to carry an umbrella, no matter how hot the sun's rays 
Avere, nor how hard it might be raining, because he deemed it 
unmilitary. 

When very young he and his brother Frederick made the 
promise to one another that they would always retain the 
" Du Rocher" part of their name, and on the only occasion 
Frederick had to print his name (as Secretary of some religious 
society which Alexander had induced him to enter) he used it, 
but on entering the Society of Jesus he declined keeping the 
engagement. But Julius, though he never wore it publicly, nor 
used it in any of his correspondence, still wrote it on the first 
fly-leaf of all his books, giving his name in full, 




^^^ 




380 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

Julius' endeavors to have the College and Convent at Frederick, Md., ex- 
empted from Hospital duty and letter of Fatlier Jas. A. Ward, S. J. — 
Julius' communication for Gen. McClellan's eye — his endeavors to secure 
the Sisters of Charity and those of Mercy as nurses and letters of Arch- 
bishops Kenrick of Baltimore and Hughes of New York on the subject — 
his Petition to the President and extracts of letters of Archbishops Ken- 
rick of Baltimore and Purcell of Cincinnati relative to it — his instru- 
mentality in saving St. Aloysius' Church. 

Oa\"IXG to the large number of wounded soldiers, and there 
being an insufficiency of Hospital room for their accommodation, 
many of tlie Catholic Churches, Colleges, and Convents were 
seized by the Military Authorities and turned into Hospitals. 
Naturally enough an indignant outcry was raised by the Cath- 
olics against such action. By Julius' kind and prompt appeal, 
the Jesuit College at Frederick City, Md., was allowed to be 
exempt and he received the following grateful letter from Rev. 
Jas. A. Ward, S. J., one of its Fathers. 

"Frederick City, Md., July 10, 1862. 
"Your kindness in procuring our relief from the threatened danger de- 
serves our warmest gratitude. For myself and brothers in religion I 
thank you, and if our prayers can avail aught with Heaven, its choicest 
benedictions will be showered on you and yours both for time and eternity." 

But later this College was again occupied for the reception of 
wounded soldiers as was also the Visitation Convent of Fred- 
erick. Thereupon Julius, in conjunction with Col. McLeod Mur- 
phy, a Catholic Officer of the Army, endeavored at least to save 
the Convent, An explanation of his action in the matter is 
shown in the accompanying communication he sent for the in- 
formation of Gen. McClellan, commanding the Army of the 

Potomac. 

" Washington, September 30, 1862. 
" To Brig. Gen. S. Williams, 
"Asst. Adjt. Genl. 

" Hd. Qrs., Army of the Potomac. 
"General, 

" I have just seen your Telegram to Genl. Banks, in relation to McLeod 
Murphy's sending up a detail of his regiment to Frederick, to pitch the 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 381 

500 hospital tents, which were lying there &c., &c., and as the only ' out- 
side influence' broui^ht to bear on the subject, besides his, was mine, I 
shall take the liberty of explaining it, for General McClellan's information. 

"In the first place then, the General must know, that wc Catliolics 
strongly object to having our Churches and male religious houses taken 
for any other purpose whatever, even as hospitals. In a case of extreme 
necessity, only, we have nothing to say against it. There may have been 
at Frederick such a case of extreme and unavnidahle necessity — therefore, 
we say nolhhig of the reported occupation of the Ciiurch and Novitiate of 
the Jesuit Fatliers. But the Convent of the Visitation nuns was altogether 
a different thing. "We never will willingly consent to see the houses of the 
consecrated virgins of our Church entered, on any account. Even for men 
who do not feel with us, they are still the ])rivate residences of a number 
of helpless females, more than usually modest and retiring, more than 
usually sensitive in regard to any invasion of their privacy, and whose 
case should therefore peculiarly appeal to every manly heart. Unless, 
therefore, every private house in Fi-edk. City had first been taken, the 
Ceneral must excuse us if wo fail to perceive the unavoidable necessity 
which should have justified Protestants, even, in taking any of the Convent 
buildings. 

" Such being our manner of looking at this subject, the moment I heard 
positively of the Convent's having been in part taken for a hospital, I 
called on the Surgeon General, in company Avith Col. McL. Murphy, who 
has an Autit there, and told him how we felt on this matter. And he was 
kind enough to say that he would evacuate these buildings as soon as he 
could — that were the 500 (five hundred) tents then there, pitched, he would 
do so immediately. It was tlien Col. Murphy offered his services to go up and 
pitch them, as well as to bury the dead still lying on the field unburied, and 
bring in the wounded, of whom many the Surgeon General told us (1500, 
I think) were still lying on the battle field. This was j^we days ago, and the 
Surgeon General received a Telegram two days later that the tents had not 
been pitched, &c., and that the regiment, promised him for tliat purpose, 
had not yet made its appearance. It was then that we applied to Gen. 
Banks for orders. As you see, there was good reason for making the 
application and yesterday, when we telegraphed, there seemed a stronger 
reason for it, since if Genl. McClellan needed 20 regiments more, where he 
was, he could have had none to spare, even for the purpose specified. 

"I have only now to add, that neither in Col. Murphy's mind, nor mine, 
was there the faintest germ of a disposition to reflect on General McClel- 
lan, whose enemies are our enemies, being those of the country. We were 
eager in pursuit of a benevolent object — that was all. I regret that we 
have been disappointed ! 

" I am. General, very respectfully, 

" Your obedient servant, 

''Gakesch]^." 



382 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius also endeavored to secure the services of the Sisters of 
Charity and those of Mercy as nurses in the numerous hospitals 
in and around Washington. President Lincoln and other prom- 
inent officials were not only willing but even anxious to have 
them, knowing them to be the best and most reliable attendants 
on the sick and wounded. Julius accordingly wrote to the 
Archbishop of Baltimore, brother of his family's friend, Arch- 
bishop Kenrick of St. Louis, and receiv^ed the following answer. 

"Baltimore, September 23, 1862. 
"Dear Sir, 

" I am quite willing that the Sisters of Charity, or of Mercy, from the 
diocese of New York should be invited to attend military hospitals in this 
diocese. If the Surgeon General will instruct the Archbishop of New York, 
what number are wanting, and where and when they are to be sent, I am 
confident his wishes will be complied with. I wrote to the Archbishop to 
apprise him that the call will be made. I think it better to confine it to 
the New York Diocese, as the Western institutes are engaged already in 
various places. Any Sisters of any institutes sent by him will be accepta- 
ble. I do not know of any body of men in this country that could be ser- 
viceable for this work of charity. A difficulty may occur with regard to 
the Sisters unless arrangements be made for the service of chaplains. Other- 
wise the Sisters can scarcely hear Mass on Festivals, or receive the Sacra- 
ments. But I leave the arrangements to the Archbishop of N. Y. 

" I shall be happy at all times to comply with your wishes. 

" Your friend and servant, 

"Francis Patrick Kenrick, 

"A. B." 

Archbishop Hughes of New York wrote to Julius as follows. 

" New York, Sept. 24, 1862. 
"My dear Major, 

" I received yours of yesterday asking for Sisters of Charity, or others 
from this diocese, for the hospitals in your city and elsewhere. Arch- 
bishop Kenrick of Baltimore had written to me on the same subject and 
probably will have forwarded my answer to you. 

" Dr. Hammond, Surgeon General of the Army, wrote some time ago to 
Dr. McDougal, his Adjutant in this City, to prepare two hospitals capable 
of accommodating from six to seven hundred wounded soldiers. When 
prepared they were to bo placed under the care of our Sisters of Charity. 
They are now being fitted up, and the Sisters of Charity have consented 
to superintend their administration. This of course would not permit 
them to accept any other call at a distance ; and besides I should be unwill- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 383 

ing to see them go to stations where they cannot have the consolation of 
hearing Mass once or twice a week, but especially on Sundays. 

" I Avrote to Father Walters* the other day to express my sympathy at 
his being so overburdened with duties, and at the same time my regi'et 
that it was not in my power to send any priest, even with the consent of 
the Archbishop of Baltimore, to relieve him. 

" In Washington it may be imagined that New York is exempted from 
the heavy burthen of charity imposed upon the clergy and religious com- 
munities in consequence of this melancholy War. But it is not the fact. 
We have as much as it is possible for us to attend to at home. 
" I have the honor to be 

" With great respect 

" Your Most Obed. Servt. 

" John, Ab'p. of New York." 

As the Churches, Colleges and Convents were still continuing 
to be occupied for hospital purposes, Julius wrote to the Arch- 
bishops of Baltimore, New York, Cincinnati and elsewhere, to 
co-operate with himself and the Catholic Officers of the Army 
in petitioning the President to exempt them. He then prepared 
a petition, and after submitting it to the above Prelates for their 
views thereon, presented it thus approved and signed by himself 
and by some leading Catholic Officers, for the consideration of 
President Lincoln. 

As an evidence of their interest in his good and laudable un- 
dertaking I insert extracts from letters of Archbishops Kenrick 
of Baltimore and Purcell of Cincinnati, giving their opinion. 

" Baltimore, Oct. 3, 1862. 
" I am much edified by the zeal which prompts yourself and Col. John 
McLeod Murphy, to propose an address to the President, with a view to 
protect our Churches and Institutions. * * * 

"Accept my thanks for your kind offices, and believe me, 

" Your Obliged Servant, 

"Francis Patrick Kenrick, 

"A. B." 

" Cincinnati, Ohio, 11th Oct. 1862. 
" Cordially do I approve of the object sought to be attained by the 
Address of the Catholic Officers U. S. A., to the President. * * * 
"Hoping to hear from you, dear Sir, soon again, and repeating the 

* Pastor of St. Patrick's in Washington, and a warm friend and admirer 
of Julius. 



384 BIOORAPHV OF 

assurance of my hearty good will to co-operate with you in securing the 
immunity of our religious edifices, 

" I am, very respectfully, 

" Your friend and servant, 

"J. B. PURCELL, 

"A. B. Cin." 
THE PETITION. 

" To IIis Excellency, the Presidext of the United States : 

"We, the undersigned, Catholic Officers of the Armj'-, beg leave to rep- 
resent to Your Excellency that we have been greatly shocked by the 
attempt recently made to seize a Catholic Female Orphan Asylum for a 
hospital, and by what we consider the unnecessary occupation of many 
of our Churches. 

"In the name, and on behalf of our Catholic fellow-citizens throughout 
the United States, we desire to lay before you our feelings on this subject, 
feelings common alike to all Catholics, and which, when once known to 
you, we are willing to believe you would not unnecessarily affront. 

"In the first place, then, we beg leave to represent to Y'"our Excellency 
that our Ciiurches are sanctified to us, not merely by the rites and cere- 
monies with which they are consecrated to the worship of God, nor merely 
by the hallowing purpose for which they are built and used, but immeas- 
urably above and beyond these, by the Divine Presence itself, which deigns 
to inhabit them — really — bodily — in the adorable person of Ilim who died 
for us all upon the Cross. 

"We beg further to represent to Your Excellency, that the buildings 
occupied as Colleges, Academies, Novitiates, Monasteries, &c., by the re- 
ligious orders of our Church, are their pricate re.^iih'iices. being public in 
no other sense, tlian tiiat their pious inmates are devoted to the service of 
all mankind, and labor not for themselves. 

"We particularly beg Your Excellency to understand, that the occu- 
pants of these houses are bound by solemn vows — vows which require 
them, under pain of deadly sin, to dwell togetlier in communities, in the 
strict observance of a fixed rule, and in the discharge of certain, specific 
duties. When, therefore, you oust them from these, their homes, you do 
not subject them merely, as you would subject a private family under the 
circumstances, to the passing and comparatively trifling inconvenience of 
seeking another habitation, but you turn suddenly into the street an im- 
mense family, one peculiarly constituted, and not only too numerous to 
find accommodation in any ordinary house, but ignorant where to go, or 
even where to look for an asylum. Y'ou scatter, at the same time, those 
as closely linked together, and by vows as solemn, as husband and wife. 
You break up a whole community, and completely destroy all their objects 
in life — all that, under God, they live for and hold dear. 

"Even did the world, then, owe nothing to these men, who have sacri- 
ficed all that the world usually values, to devote themselves exclusively to 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 385 

the service of their kind, this would be still imposing on them too much, 
because imposing upon them infinitely move than upon others — conse- 
quently more than their share. 

" We, therefore, ask that orders may issue from Your Excellency, never 
to take their houses, while any other private houses remain exempt. 

" We beg further to represent to Your Excellency, that all that has just 
above been said, applies with tenfold force to the case of the female relig- 
ious orders. The pure women, belonging to them, are ordinarily bound 
by stricter vows, observe a more rigorous seclusion, and, by reason of 
their sex, are necessarily more timid and helpless: their case, therefore, 
appeals more powerfully to our hearts as men. Besides, they are our 
relatives, and have a claim on us for protection. Hardly one of us but 
has a sister or a daughter, an aunt, niece, or cousin among them. Hence, 
we look upon any intrusion into their houses, no matter what the pretext 
or the occasion, as an unpardonable sacrilege. We may submit to, but 
could never forget it. We would rather see even our Churches, all sacred 
as we hold them, converted into barracks, than hear of one of these houses 
being invaded even for a day. And, in this, we believe that we feel but 
as God would have us feel, and as He feels Himself, knowing that, as a 
good Father, He is more jealous of the respect He would have shown these 
holy virgins, who have consecrated themselves to His service, than even of 
that due Himself. 

" We, therefore, pray Your Excellency to give orders to our generals, 
that whithersoever our armies go, and whithersoever our soldiers are to be 
found, whether in the loyal or in the seceded States, these religious houses, 
together with all churches, shall be protected by safe-guards — and protected 
not only from all violence, but from any use and from all intrusion. 

"Whereupon, we will pray God to have Your Excellency in His holy 
keeping, and to impart to Your Excellency His choicest gi-aces." 

It was mainly clue to Julius' efifbrts that St. Aloysius' Church 
in Washington was preserved from being thus turned into a 
Hospital. 

Like elsewhere, the immense number of wounded soldiers that 
were being continually brought into Washington and the insuf- 
ficiency of Hospitals for their accommodation, all those in the 
city being already densely crowded, induced Secretary Stanton 
to issue an order that all the Churches should be seized for their 
benefit. 

St. Aloysius' had just been built, was large, imposing, and 

remarkably beautiful, and richly deserved the pride and love of 

its parishioners. Its sanctuary, a marvel of beauty and art, 

alone cost $30,000. Situated on the very verge of the city, in 

25 



386 BIOORAPHV OF 

the eastern part, almost in tlie country and therefore removed 
from all bustle and noise, Mi-. Stanton thought it a most desirable 
and cool spot for the wounded. Accordingly orders were issued 
for its seizure, and on Saturday, September 13th, 1862, work- 
men and a large amount of lumber were sent to be used in con- 
verting it into a vast Hospital, the intention being to floor it in 
such a manner as woidd give several separate stories. 

Meanwhile Julius, a member of this parish, and particularly 
devoted to this beautiful temple of God, had used every legiti- 
mate moans in his power at the War Dept., to suspend its seizure 
as long as possible. When he found there was no longer any 
liope, that it must be sacrificed, he, with wonderful tact, sug- 
gested to its Fathers (it was under the spiritual guitlance of the 
Jesuits, all of whom were warm friends of his), to call on Secre- 
tary Stanton, and endeavor to save it and its newly worn glories, 
by offering to build in its place hospitals on the open lot on K 
street adjoining, of the same amount of square feet of room as 
the church could be rendered capable of accommodating. 

Accordingly, when the workmen presented themselves before 
the sacred edifice, the Fathers closed and bolted the doors to 
prevent their entrance until they (the Fathers) had seen the 
Military authorities, and then the Pastor, Father Wiget, — a 
good, holy and hard working priest, loved and admired by all 
for his many noble qualities of mind and heart, — accompanied 
by one or two other Fathers and by Bishop O'Connor, a great 
friend of Stanton's, hastened with all speed to the War Dept. 
There Julius, who had learned of the workmen's being sent, 
had arranged all the preliminaries of the meeting, thus sparing 
them all disagreeable encounters and making it easier to prefer 
their petition. He escorted them himself to the Secretary's room 
and introduced them. 

He always did his utmost to obtain favors for Priests and 
Religious at the War Dept., never sparing himself and his own 
feelings in this good, charitable and generous endeavor, and they 
never called upon him in vain. 

When Father Wiget mentioned their reason for coming, Mr. 
Stanton said he was sorrv to have to disoblige them but tlie 
matter could not be helped ; the Church must be seized, as it 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCIIE. 387 

was a military necessity and the wounded soldiers must have 
accommodations. Father Wiget then oifered Julius' j)lan, of 
building hospitals on the adjoining lot. To this proposition 
Stanton consented, provided they were put up within a week's 
time. 

The rest of the day the Rev. Father went about soliciting 
help and assistance, stating under what conditions his beautiful 
Church could be saved. 

The next morninon, after the early Mass, every man in the 
parish and many from outside parishes nobly stepped forward 
and offered their help. There were men of all classes of life, 
from the commonest artisan to the high-toned gentleman who 
had never wielded the spade and pickax. 

Julius at the head of the men went into the adjoining lot and 
commenced digging holes for the foundation posts. lie worked 
away as laboriously as did any of the mechanics, and all through 
the week, whenever he had a moment's release from his official 
duties, he came down and worked. A number of other gentle- 
men from various parts of the city also came, inspired by his 
example, and it was even said that Adjutant General Thomas 
lent his hand with the spade and other implements. 

Before the end of the week several large and comfortable 
buildings were erected, capable of containing as many if not 
more wounded than the Church could have been made to accom- 
modate ; and thus by Julius' and Father Wiget's efforts, seconded 
by the noble assistance of the Catholics of Washington, was the 
Church of St. Aloysius spared. 



388 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

Julius' extreme sorrow for the terrible evils of the War and his letter to 
the " Freeman's Journal" — his prediction and warning to Gen. McClel- 
lan — his dislil^e for Secretarj' Stanton and the latter's hatred for him — 
Julius' remark to Major Geo. D. Iluggles indicative of his presentiment 
of death — Gen. Martin T. McMahon's remarks — Julius' connection with 
Particular Council of Society of St. Vincent de Paul and his interest in 
the Society — letter and remarks of Father J. A. Walter — ^Kemarks of 
Father B. A. Maguire, S. J. — Julius' and Gen. Kosecrans' mutual friend- 
ship, and their formation among Catholic Officers of the Army of an 
Association in honor of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart — Rosecrans' 
anxiety to have Julius as his Chief of Staff, his request to Secretary 
Stanton and its acceptance and Julius ordered to report to him — Gen. 
Lorenzo Thomas' fury — Julius' visit to Gen. Geo. Thorn and earnest re- 
quest of him, and the latter's kindness to his wife and little ones — Julius' 
letter to Editor of Freeman's Journal — his affecting departure from 
Washington. 

Julius' heart bled for all the ruin and dreadful consequences 
of this terrible War that he saw and heard of as being enacted 
throughout the land by both North and South. 

In the latter part of September 1862, he wrote to the " Free- 
man's Journal," a prominent Catholic newspaper, asking : — 

" Cannot an organized system of Catholic prayers be inaugurated — an 
association of prayer for the salvation of the country ? I see no hope but 
in God, througli the intercession of our Blessed Lady, the Patroness of 
our land. Unless, as a body, we besiege heaven with prayer, God will not 
be pacified. Oh ! why do not our bishops come forward, then, and set this 
on foot? Are we all cowed, or overwhelmed by the magnitude of the 
threatening ruin?" 



& 



Just before Gen. McClellan resumed command of the Army 
of the Potomac, in the latter part of August 1862, Julius, who 
clearly foresaw what would take place, earnestly urged him, 
through others, that he ought to insist on the removal of Stan- 
ton from office and the dismissal of Gen. Halleck from the 
Army, as otherwise, so soon as the existing scare caused by the 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 389 

2nd battle of Manassas, or Bull Run, should die out, these men 
would ruin him if they cojj,ld. 

Julius did not, could not admire Secretary Stanton. In fact, 
there were but very few who did : and he found it a difficult 
thing to serve under him and yet retain his own self respect. 

Mr. Stanton was rough, unpolished, tyrannical and selfish in 
his ways towards his suljordinates, expecting them to execute his 
orders at once, on the very instant, and without any regard to 
the moral right or wrong of them. Sometimes, however, he 
found that there were some high-principled men like Julius 
who, though perfectly willing to obey all his lawful mandates, 
would not stoop to gain his favor by complying with any they 
thought unjust or wrong. In consequence, whilst Stanton could 
not but admire him for all his soldierly, manly, and Christian 
qualities, he nevertheleas hated him and when able showed his 
animosity. 

One day in the early part of September 1862, Julius acci- 
dentally met at Gen. Halleck's Head Quarters, situated on G 
street near 17th, a brother officer of the Adjt. Genl's. Corps, 
. Major Geo. D. Ruggles, who shortly afterwards was ordered to 
join Gen. McClellan and participated with him in the bloody 
battle of Antietam. In the course of conversation Julius said 
that he had asked in 1861, in the beginning of the War, to be 
relieved and sent to the field; but Gen. Thomas, the Adjutant 
General, refused his request, claiming that his services could not 
be spared. That now he had asked to be sent, as he could no 
longer with any self respect serve under such a man as Secre- 
tary Stanton ; and now was the worst time for him to go, as he 
was convinced he would fall in his first battle. Thereupon, 
Major Ruggles said: "Colonel, you must be ill to think so," 
meaning thereby that Julius was unwell and therefore depressed 
in spirits. But the latter answei'ed emphatically : ^^ No, Ruggles, 
I shall indeed fall in the first battle." 

Gen. Martin T. McMahon, who knew Julius personally in 
Washington and greatly admired him, says : — 

" Colonel Garesche was one of my dearest friends. He was one of the 
original organizers of the first Conference of St. Vincent de Paul estab- 
lished in Washington, and was its life and soul. He was chairman of the 



390 BIOGRAPHY OF 

visiting committee and in those ante heUuin days, when his official duties 
were not as onerous as they subsequently became, he gave nearly all of 
his time out of office hours to visiting the jlOor. IIow much he did in that 
direction and how much ho contributed out of liis moderate means no one 
knew but himself. I may say it was very greatly owing to his influence 
and energy that the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul became a perma- 
nency in Washington. Assistance from outside was exceedingly limited. 
The membership at first was very small. 

" We gave a public concert in which the amateur talent of the city was 
all enlisted and which proved quite successful and put us in good working 
order for the second winter. Later, our means were a little more abundant 
but still inadequate. I understand now, however, tliat there are flourish- 
ing Conferences in every parish in the city. I inxve no hesitation in saying 
that they may look upon Col. Garesch6 and revere his memory as their 
actual founder. 

"I occasionally accompanied him on his visits to the poor, and never 
heard or read of any thing to surpass his zeal and gentle charity. I have 
always referred to him, in speaking of him, as my ideal of a perfect Chris- 
tian gentleman. He was the true Knight of the 19th Century ; a gallant, 
daring soldier in the field ; a wise counsellor, and many times consulted by 
the President, especially in the selection of Officers for high command in 
the army: one who never fawned upon his Superiors or was unjust to his 
inferioi'S, and who never submitted during the trying days he spent in the 
War Department under the then Secretary of War to any thing that re- 
flected upon liis personal or official digiiity. Tliis brought him frequently 
into somewhat stormy conflict with Mr. Stanton ; l)ut the President, Mr. 
Lincoln, who had a very affectionate regard for him, always sustained him, 
for the good and sufficient reason that in all matters of dispute he was 
right. On one occasion, when the Secretary called for certain papers to 
send to Congress and wished them to be so made out as to contain a sup- 
pression of the trutli, Col. Garescli6 positively refused to prepare them in 
the manner indicated. 

"Mr. Lincoln several times intimated to him that he would be glad to 
appoint him Brigadier General and give him a command in the field. This 
he refused unless he could be permitted to serve in the field for a reason- 
able time with lesser rank." 

The Particular Council of St. Vincent de Paul's Society, com- 
posed of the Presidents and Vice Presidents of the two Confer- 
ences of St. Patrick's and St. Matthew's — then the only Confer- 
ences existing in AVasliington — was convened for the first time 
by its President, Mr. Richard II. Clarke, Presd't. of St. ^Matthew's 
Conference, on the 21st of June, 1861, Feast of St. Aloysius 
Gonzaga. There were present the President; Rev. J. A. Walter, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 39 1 

Spiritual Director; and Julius P. Garesche, President of St. 
Patrick's Conference. At the meeting of organization of the 
Council on April 21, 1861, the result by ballot for election, of 
a President was 8 votes for Julius and 9 for Mr. Clarke. The 
Council met every mouth at the residence of the Pastor of St. 
Patrick's. 

Julius, always indefatigable in the cause of charity, moved at 
the meeting held on October 8, 1862, that a Committee be ap- 
pointed toco-operate with Sister Dyonisia, Superintendent of the 
Infant Asylum, in the Fair to take place in behalf of that insti- 
tution. 

Even after Julius joined Gen. Rosecrans in Tennessee his in- 
terest in the welfare of the Society did not abate ; for at a meet- 
ing of the Particular Council held December 23, 1862, the 
President presented a letter from him, in which he expressed 
his best wishes for the members and gave the assurance that 
though absent from them in person he was spiritually present 
and hoped to be remembered in their prayers. 

Letter of Father J. A. Walter, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Washington. 

" Col. Garesch6 was a most estimable man. He was a member of the 
Particular Council of St. Vincent de Paul's Society and President of St. 
Patrick's Conference. He was a true child of St. Vincent. His charity 
towards the poor knew no limit and no sacrifice was considered too great 
to be made in their behalf. He never spared himself when any c;ood could 
be accomplished. He was a high toned gentleman, honor personified, and 
yet a meek, humble Christian man. His character was without blemish 
and all who knew hiui could not but admire his truly Christian qualities. 

"At a meeting of the Particular Council held January 14, 1863, suita- 
ble resolutions were offered expressive of our loss and of the great esteem 
in which he was held by every member of our Society. We had a Monu- 
ment erected to his memory in Mt. Olivet Cemetery." 

The good Father further remarked that Julius' sense of prin- 
ciple was so strong that no one in the world could have induced 
him to do any thing contrary to law or justice; that he was as 
brave as a lion and as stubborn as a rock in defending tiie truth. 
As an instance of Julius' scrupulousness in performing his duties 
he narrates the following. He wanted to resign liis Presidency 
of the Conference of St. Patrick's, because his obligations at the 



392 BIOGRAPHY OF 

War Department were at the time so manifold and required so 
much of his time, day and night and Sundays too, that he felt in 
consequence he could not correctly attend to his duties as Presi- 
dent. But Father Walter would not hearken to his request, 
asserting that the Conference understood his position perfectly 
and that when he was perforce absent the Vice President was 
there to fdl his place. 

As indicative of his high conscientious turn of mind he adds 
that Julius never lost an idle moment; when not performing some 
duty he would be reading his " Thomas a Kempis" or some other 
pious book ; and kept his own letter paper, envelopes and Post 
Office stamps in his desk at his Office — never under any consid- 
eration using those of the Government for his private purposes. 
There was a certain common steel pen that he used at the Office, 
which he esteemed very highly and used in all his business cor- 
respondence. Being anxious to take it home to use there and 
feeling that he could not in conscience do so without having first 
replaced it by a similar one, he went out on the Aveiuie * and 
bought a fac-simile which he put on his desk to fill the place 
occupied by the other. 

Once when Secretary Stanton wished him to perform a certain 
measure, he gentlemanly but firmly refused, saying that his con- 
science would not approve of it, as it was illegal, unconstitutional, 
and would be a violation of the law. 

Sj)eaking of his charities, it appears that he was attending a 
family all of whom were afflicted with the loathsome and dread 
Small-pox. He was apprehensive for the safety of the young 
daughter, lest she might turn out badly, and M'as only induced 
to surrender the case upon the representations of the Reverend 
Pastor, Father Walter, that it ought to be attended to alone by 
himself. 

Rev. B. A. Magulre, S. J., Assistant Pastor of St. Aloysius' 
Church, speaking of Julius says : — 

" One of the best qualities in the oliaracter of the saintly Col. Gareseh6 
was liis humility and silence in regard to himself and liis works of Charity. 
Ilenee very few knew much about him. He did his work for God, not to 

* Pennsylvania Avenue, the principal street of Washington. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 393 

please men. I knew him only as a most fervent, pious, exemplary mem- 
ber of St. Aloysius' Church. I met him occasionally in the midst of his 
family and saw him as a loving, devoted husband and father. After the 
labors of the day in his Office iie spent his evenings among the poor and 
in his religious exercises. He heard Mass every morning in the year, and 
received Communion every Sunday and often through the week. Ilia 
Charity was unbounded even to the detriment of his health and the injury 
of his own famil}'. lie made his meditation every morning and v.'ould 
spend hours in the Church in silent adoration of Ilim who reposed on the 
Altar. He would do all this so as not to be noticed by any one. He was 
my heau ideal of a perfect Christian Gentleman." 

As I liave before intimated Julias and Gen. Rosecrans had 
been friends when Cadets at West Point. 

In 1843, whilst Julias was stationed with his Company at 
Fort McHenry, Md., Rosecrans paid him a visit. At the time 
the latter was thinking of becoming a Catholic, and he had a 
conversation with Julius on some points of the Religion that he 
did not fully comprehend, and was given by him such a plain 
and satisfactory explanation that his doubts were dispelled and 
his ignorance entirely removed. From 1848-1853 they corre- 
sponded with one another and during this period were the means 
of forming among the Catholic Officers of the Army an Asso- 
ciation called "The Association in honor of the Devotion to the 
Sacred Heart."* Rosecrans distributed every three months the 
Prayers or Intentions, and Julius, who had been the prime mover 
in the Association's formation, was mainly instrumental in keeping 
it alive. 

Before being promoted to the leadership of the 14th Army 
Corps, popularly designated the Army of the Cumberland, Rose- 
crans had been several times very anxious to have Julius with 
himself as his Chief of Staif, but he had not at the time a suffi- 
ciently good and high position to offer. Apart from the high 
regard he entertained for him as a friend, a model Catholic, and 



* It was probably about this time that Julius, at the request of Father 
Gleizul, the good Jesuit Father under whom he made his Eetreat just prior 
to his marriage and with whom he was very friendly, translated from the 
French a Manual of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart, which was published 
by Father Gleizal. It was considered a very important work, because it 
was the first American one of the kind. 



394 BlOORArilV OF 

a perfect man, lie appreciated liis line natural abilities and com- 
plete acquirements as a soldier. And now, when he assumed 
charge of this large and important military eommand, he wrote 
to Julius asking him to come. The hitter's response was favor- 
able. Rosecrans thereupon addressed an oHicial request to the 
War Pepaitment that he be permitted to become his Chief of 
Statf. lie was, however, far from feeling sure that he would be 
gratified, owing to the great value placed on Julius' services at 
the Department and the strong objections, l"or this reason, of 
Gen. Thomas to jiart with him. 

Secretary Stanton at once granted his request, not so much 
throuiih his dislike for Julius as in the belief that the work 
before Rosecrans was most arduous, and that he was in conse- 
quence entitled to claim the co-operation of so valuable an OtUcer. 
Though Stanton disliked Julius for reasons already given, never- 
theless he highly appreciated him as an Officer. 

At this time, Ailjutaut General Thomas was temporarily 
absent from Washington, and when he learned, on his return, 
of Julius' departure for Rosecrans* Head Quartei*s, he became 
furious. He had steadily frustrated every attempt to remove 
him, believing his presence ti> be invaluable; and now in his 
fury he vehemently declared that had he been in Washington 
lie would have appealed to President Lincoln rather than sutler 
Julius to go. 

Rosecrans was overjoyed when Julius reported to him, for he 
was uncertain until then that he would be permitteil to come. 

In Special Orders, No. 3ilO, ot' the Adjutant General's Office, 
War Dept., dated November 5, 1802, 

" Lieut. Colonol <1 alius P. Garosoho. Assistaut Adjutaut Oonoral V. S. A., 
is hereby reliovod tVoin duty iu tho Adjutaut Goueral's! Otfice, and will 
report to ^lajor General ^Villiaul S. Koseorans, U. S. Volunteers, as Cliief 
of his Statr. 

" Uy Order of the Seeretary of AVar." 

Willino- enouirh as Julius was to sio into action, vet he could 
not leave his darling wife and beloved little children without a 
paiiiT : for lovino: them as tenderlv and devotedlv as he did, the 
separation was keenly painful, and then the terrible thought 
came, would he crer sec Oiein again/ His loyalty and wunige 



LIEVT. VOL. JULIUS P. OAIiESCHE. 395 

did not flinch, howevor, and ho made this, as ho had made otlior 
sacriiiocs, for the jjood of liis country. 

On the evening before his departure from AVashington, he 
called at Gen. Halleek's residence on a brother officer, Gen. Geo. 
Thoin of the Engineer Corps, then attached to Ilaliock's Staff 
and at the time residing in the same liouse. After a few mo- 
ments of general conversation with Thorn in the crowded parlor 
ho asked permission to see him in private, as he had something 
to say. Struck by his manner Thorn immediately led him into 
the hall, the only retired spot, and there seated on the staircase 
Julius mentioned his gointr to the field the followinir day, that 
his wife and little ones would necessarily be left behind in 
Washington, and that he would feel so grateful to Thom if he 
would promise to keep a protecting and friendly eye over thom 
and their welfare during his absence ; and should he fall — his 
voice here became a little husky — as mioht bo the case, then to 
soften the blow and mitigate the anguisii of his poor, darling 
Mariquitta. lie added in explanation of his appealing thus to 
Thom, that he had always entertained for him the highest re- 
spect and esteem, begun when as a member of * Thom's Cadet 
Company at West Point, and a perfect stranger to him, he had 
nevertheless received at his hands such tokens of disinterested 
kindness and gentlemanly tact as had remained indelibly stamped 
on his memory, though his own natural reserve had prevented 
his ever before mentioniuir this. And now that ho was ooinir 
away, perhaps never to return, he could leave with a lighter 
heart, if he felt assured that his beloved family were loft under 
such protecting care. 

Gen. Thom was inexpressibly affected at this confiding trust 
in himself, so unexpected; for though, like all other Army 
Officers, he had always felt the greatest respect and admiration 
for Julius, and taken the warmest interest in his welfare; still 
he had but rarely met him since his own graduation at the 
Point, lie was greatly touched too, knowing that Julius' re- 
serve seldom made him confide in any but most intimate friends, 

* General Thom graduated at West Point, in the class of 1839, and was 
Cadet Captain of Julius' Company. 



396 BIOGRAPHl" OF 

and that tlieir limited acquaintanceship did not justify him as 
being cUissed ainong this privileged few. 

With a full heart he gave his promise and Julius then bade 
him an affectionate farewell. 

Ijittle did he dream, as he saw him depart, that he would 
soon be called upon to fulfill the terrible part of his promise, of 
imparting to the beloved wife the dreadful tidings of this hus- 
band's death, and afterwards of officiating in the mournful 
capacity of pall-bearer at his last rites! 

He kept to his word nobly and faithfully, and during Julius' 
campaign with the 14th Army Corps often called to encourage 
Mariquitta with any good tidings he had learned of its move- 
ments, and after Julius' death did all he could to soothe her 
sorrow, and was indefatigable in his kind and delicate attentions 
to herself and her fatherless children. 

Shortly before going to join Gen. Rosecrans, Julius wrote to 
the Editor of the New York Freeman's Journal : — 

'' I cannot do without your paper. Every week, when I receive it. I 
feel cheered, and, for a while, think there is yet hope lor our poor coun- 
try — but, in a day or two, I lose the impression, and the dark bhmk future 
rises before me." 

Julius left "Washington for his new sphere of duty on the 6th 
of November. The parting was alike painful to himself and 
his poor wife. To be again separated from him, was heart-rend- 
ing to her, and doubly so when that separation called him to a 
dangerous post. They parted with saddened hearts — parted 
alas! to meet no more in this world! His fond, devoted heart 
Avas very full, as he bade adieu to his sweet little girls; to his 
little boy who, despite of his naughtiness, loved him dearlv ; 
and to his dear little babv. And then his heart crew even 
more full as he clasped liis darling Mariquitta to his bosom, and 
kissing her sweetly, gently wiped away tiie tears that dimmed 
her beautiful eyes, and told her in his tender and manly way not 
to be so broken-hearted, but to bear up courageously; to remem- 
ber that she was a soldier's wife, and for his sake not to allow 
her grief to overwhelm her so; that he would soon return to 
gladden her dear heart again. Then he spoke of their dear 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 397 

little children, who would require her additional care and moth- 
erly solicitude after his departure. That she must not be so 
crushed with her sorrow, as she would thereby injure her health, 
and what then would become of them, and he far away ! But 
for their sakes, as well as for his own, to be brave, to make 
the sacrifice of her grief, and God would bless her and aid her 
to accept all with a resigned spirit. And thus gently and lov- 
ingly he strove to assuage her anguish, and though his own 
heart was lacerated, and duty at that moment seemed so, so diffi- 
cult to follow, and his very voice grew hoarse in the intensity 
of his feelings, he never flinched, but with a noble and Christian 
spirit courageously bore up to the end. 



398 BIOGRAPHY' OF 



CHAPTER XL. 

Julius' letters to Mariquitta and his children after his departure for the 
field and Mariquitta's to him — incident of his going to Communion at 
the Sodalists' Mass in Cincinnati — Gen. Kosecrans' Staff — how Julius 
spent his last night on earth. 

Julius to Mariqidtta. 
"St. Xavier's College, Cincinnati, Saturday, 
"Novembers, 1862. 
" My pet, my darling little wife, 

"I cannot picture to you tlie grief which filled my heart on bidding you 
nxrewell. I feared to let you see it, but, after you had left the car, tears 
filled my eyes and I feared lest they would be perceived, and that I would 
not be able to check them. A woman who had observed us, witFi the tears 
almost filling her own eyes, remarked to me on my re-entrance into the 
car, 'Ah ! I know what that is — I had to go through that myself!' 'God 
bless you' Avas my only answer, I could not add another word. Ah ! dear 
wife, I pray God that we may soon be reunited and may never have to 
separate again ; for I am not made like other men, it costs me too much, 
it seems so much taken away from my life. Write to me often at least, 
and tell me every little thing about yourself and our dear little children. 
Their tears, and the tenderness shown me by our dear little baby most 
affected me. Dear little baby, delicious little being, I am obliged to leave 
her at the very moment when she becomes the most engaging. Unceas- 
ingly do I think of her, constantly during the day do I imagine that I am 
listening to her 'Eh I' as if- 'Eh, Papa, what is that, don't you see your 
little baby?' I detest these orders which have exiled me from you and 
from my little loved ones. My only consolation is that I did not seek 
them, therefore, I have only to submit like a good Christian with resigna- 
tion, and God will recompense us for it. 

"Let me tell you now, my Mariquitta, that I am worried about the teeth 
of our little girls and reproach myself for having postponed so long hav- 
ing them arranged. I do not like to ask you to do what I have myself 
neglected, but you would please me by promptly taking them to a dentist. 

" Being delayed four hours in Baltimore, awaiting the departure of the 
train, I paid a visit to one of my old Confessors, Father Coskery, who 
lives at the Archbishop's, and went to confession to him, and later supped 
with him and the Archbishop. After supper, I had a long conversation 
Avith Father Coskery, whom I found to be, despite a Marylander by birth, 
a very decided Unionist. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 399 

" I left Baltimore at half past nine at night and arrived the next day at 
half past one P. M., at Pittsburgh, then, continuing my journey without 
interruption during the night, reached here this morning at 6 A. M., and 
came straight to the College, where Father Frederick (who is, temporarily, 
the President of the College) gave me a most afiectionate welcome. As I 
can do nothing to-morrow, Sunday, at Louisville, I will remain here to- 
night and will to-morrow, by invitation of the Archbishop, dine with him. 

" If you see Stone,* ascertain if he has loaned me or given me his field- 
glass, for I would not in my letter of thanks wish to make a mistake. 

"Good-bye, darling, with all my heart I embrace you and my children. 
Tell them how much Papa loves them, how much he would love to see 
them good and well behaved. Kiss my own dear sweet little baby 'for 
Papa'. Give many kind messages for me to all of our friends, to the Jesuit 
Fathers, to the Kerrs, the Lays, the Harrisons, to our neighbors, and to 
our two servants. Kiss Marief for me and remember me affectionately to 
John. 

'•I do not oppose your going to St. Louis, if you wish, but remember that 
it would be imprudent for you to do so. But now that I am no longer near 
you, you must decide for yourself. Witli all m}"^ heart, my darling, do I 
embrace you. 

" Your Jules." 

The morning after his arrival in Cincinnati, Sunday morning 
(he had gone to Confession the preceding evening) his brother 
inquired whether he would like to participate with the Sodalists 
in their Mass and Communion, it being a Sodality Sunday. 
His answer was, " of course, I too am a Sodalist." Thereupon 
Father Frederick sent for the Prefect and introducing Julius, 
the Prefect put around his neck the Sodality Officers' Medal and 
formally installed him in the Officers' pew. 

This little incident of Julius joining them produced a marked 
effect on the assembled Sodalists, as also on the congregation, for 
they were not a fashionable class of people, being composed of the 
middle and lower classes of society ; and to have an Army Officer 
of such high rank and commanding presence, and one, too, so 
universally respected and admired, clothed in his military uni- 
form, thus taking part in their devotional exercises, gave them 



* Gen. Chas. P. Stone, U. S. A. See Page 361, Note. 

f Mariquitta's sister, recently, in 18G1, married to Mr. John F. Slevin of 
St. Louis. They were now on a visit to her. Mr. Slevin became a devoted 
brother and friend to Mariquitta in her hour of tribulation, and was always 
a devout and most exemplary Catholic. 



400 BIOGRAPHY OF 

great cilifioation. They did not forget it, and when two months 
later his remains came through Cincinnati, en route to Washing- 
ton, tlie Sodality insisted on honoring them, and a solemn Mass 
of Requiem was sung on that very Altar before which he now 
communicated. And not only the Catholics of the city, but 
those for miles around, came to pay their homage to his lifeless 
body, so well known was his Catholic record, and so great the 
impression made by his present Communion. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"■ Louisville, Monday, Nov. 10, 1862. 
" My o>vn darling wife, 

"It is only when away from you tliat I find how necessary you are to 
my liappiuess. Dear pet, I realize now, how abst)lutely I am wrapped up 
in you and our dear children, and liow blank and dull my life is without 
you. Oh ! if this cruel war could finish and permit that we might be re- 
united, never again to be separated ! You may feel certain that I love you 
as dearly as your fondest wish could suggest. I cannot give you an idea 
how much I suffer when thus away from you, Avith the perspective of an 
indefinite term of absence. But this thought seems to me to be too cruel 
to be believed, and I cannot believe it. I love to cherish the delusion that 
this absence will be but only for a brief period. Yet, the news this morn- 
ing that McClellan has again been removed, confirms me in my impression 
that it is better for me to be away from Washington this Winter. For, it 
leads me to believe that the Abolitionists are so enraged by their defeat, 
that tiicy will stop at nothing. IJut, did I not foresee correctly that this 
would happen to him, unless he made the conditions I suggested to him I 
As for himself, though, poor fellow, I sympathize with him, I feel that he 
almost deserved it. 

" Day before yesterday, my beloved, I wrote to you from Cincinnati. I 
left there yesterday at 1 r..M., and arrived here this morning before day- 
break. I have spent the whole day in the streets, going from the Quarter- 
blaster to the Commissary, and from the Commissary to the Paymaster, 
and to the stores, etc., so as to obtain what I had yet to purchase. I 
bought a saddle, bridle, etc., — a bed, mattress, pillow, chairs, woolen cov- 
erings, &o.,— and I tried this afternoon the two horses left here by Fry* 
for sale. I like them well enough, and will take one — would, in fact, buy 
both, if they were not so high. But he wants $150 for one, and $130, I 
believe, for the other. This would barely leave me enough to last for the 
month. Ah 1 I cannot tell you, my darling, how this question of money 

* Col. Jas. B. Fry, Major and A. A. G., junior of Julius in the Corps, 
and late Chief of Staft' to Gen. Don Carlos Buell and now recalled to 
Washington to occupy Julius' place. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 401 

worries me, especially on your account. I cannot understand how you 
wiio, ordinarily, spend $300 a month, will manage to subsist on f 120. I 
will try to <:;ct aloni^ with !?S0, which would leave you $146. But then, even 
this, wiiat is it in comparison with what we have been in the habit of 
spendinj!;, and I do not see that my absence will make any dilTerence. 
Nevertheless, it will make some, and in such little things as the following 
must we watch even/ cent. For instance, in the coflee. As you do not 
touch it, it is useless to buy Java for the servants; buy, therefore, only 
llio. llegarding the tea, however, remember that you cannot make any 
difference, for cheap tea is only trasli. And, let mo suggest to you, that 
Mrs. l?uell told me that the Commissary would sell to the families of officers 
at Wasliington, in which case she would buy of it. If you would ask 
Major Vincent, he would enquire for you of the Oommissary; and thus, 
without a doubt, as I believe, you could buy sugar, coffee, hams, rice &c., 
much cheaper. 

"I found in my trunk my comforter, which T did not intend bringing 
along with me and for which I must thank you, because, since my depart- 
ure, I began to regret it, for it was so very cool in Cincinnati, there being 
still ice in the streets. Here the weather is very fine, while it is said to be 
warm at Nashville. 

"Address your letters to the ' cai-e of Major General William S. llose- 
crans. Head Qrs. Dcpt., of the Cumberland, Nashville, Tentiessee.' 

" Good-bye, my dearly beloved, my only love. Already I feel better, 
and my appetite is better. I really believe that my health Avill bo greatly 
benefited by the change. But my heart suffers. Good-bye, darling, kiss 
sweetly for me my little Marie, and Tavie, Louis and Adele. 

"Your Jules."' 
Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Louisville, Tuesday evening, 

"November 11, 18C2. 

"For some days now, my darling, you will be without any news from 
me, for I expect to start to-morrow for Nashville. Ilosecrans arrived 
there yesterday. And as it takes three days to go there, and one may be 
even longer on tiie way, at least a week must elapse, before you receive 
another letter, even if the trip be made in throe days. For it will take 
three days for the return, and at least one day must be added to write the 
letter, to mail it &c. Ilcnce, even under the most favorable circumstances, 
fully a week must intervene before you can have tidings from me. More- 
over, every thing in this quarter is irregular, especially the Mail Service. 
To-day, I completed my purchases. 

"I have engaged a most excellent servant, if I can trust to the good 
judgment of the General who recommended him to me. lie is a negro, of 
very fine appearance. 

"I think that I will really buy both of Fry's horses. They come high, 
it is true, but they suit me, and in the purchase of a saddle horse it is 

26 



402 BIOGRAPHY GF 

better to pay a little more than its real value to obtain what is to one's 
liking. I tried another this morning, much lower in price, but much in- 
ferior to those of Fry : so much so that though it be a good horse and 
cheap, it was nevertheless, in respect to its quality, dearer than those of 
Fry. I have now, therefore, my complete outfit. 

^^ Night. — I have just received a dispatch from Rosecrans, inviting me 
to share his 'Mess,' and telling me that he would send a carriage and an 
escort for my accommodation, to await my arrival- at the terminus of the 
Rail Road, distant some thirty odd miles from Nashville. A very agree- 
able attention, as I expected to make this transit in a miserable stage, filled 
with companions of not the most pleasant kind. 

" Tell me, my darling, if the good God gives you courage to endure our 
separation. Be very pious, say regularly your Beads, and do not put them 
off till evening, but begin them at nightfall, just when it begins to grow 
too dark for you to read or to sew. From God have I drawn all the 
strength with which I have triumphed over my sadness and regrets. I 
had the happiness at Cincinnati to receive Holy Communion, and after it 
felt like a different man. It was at a Sodality Mass, and I felt as if once 
again I consecrated myself to the service of the Blessed Virgin, and once 
again placed myself under her sweet protection. 

" Do my little children speak of me, think of me, — and my sweet baby ? 

"Ah I you dear ones, what a happy man I shall be when once more 
reunited to you I 

" Dear Mamma must kiss for me my dear little Marie, my dear little 
Tavie, my dear Louis, and my sweet little Adele, and tell them to be good 
children, obedient to their dear Mamma, loving God, saying regularly their 
prayers, learning well their lessons, and doing all they can to please dear 
Papa who is away. Won't they, for Papa? 

"With all my heart I embrace you, my dear wife, and am always the 

one \yho loves you the best. 

"Your Jules." 
Julius to Mariquitia. 

"Nashville, November 14, 1862. 
"Darling, 

" I arrived here last night, after a two days journey from Louisville ; the 
first day by Railroad, and the second in an ambulance which Gen. Rose- 
crans sent to meet me. We had a beautiful day, and a delightful drive ; I 
had two very pleasant companions, and I enjoyed it extremely. Rose- 
crans received me with open arms. I share his quarters and he is full of 
attentions to me. All the officers of his Staff, and all the Regular oflicers, 
of whom tiiere are several here, expressed to me their pleasure in having 
me among them. To-day, I have done nothing but ride on horseback, and 
am delighted with my two horses. But, my darling, you must no longer 
expect lengthy letters from me. I will have a great deal to perform, and 
when not engaged at work, I will be on horseback, or occupied in the 
reception of oflicers, of citizens t&c. We occupy a magnificent dwelling. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 403 

abandoned by its owner, and during the livelong day there is a crowd of 

persons seeking interviews. No king can have more numerous levees. 

Here I found your letter of the 7th and am happy, my pet, to learn tliat 

my baby is better — my dear, dear little baby, w^hom I so dearly love I 

Ah I I would wish to be even now on my return to you, my dearly loved 

ones. But it is not to be thought of, and in the meanwhile I am as well 

as I can wish. 

" Good-bye, my dearly loved one, I embrace you with all my heart. Dear 

Mamma must kiss for me my little Marie, my little Tavie, my little boy 

Louis, and our dear little baby. Good-bye, my own darling, and believe 

me ever 

" Your own devoted husband, 

"Julius." 

On the 30th of October, 1862, General Rosecrans had, per 
orders received from the War Department, relieved General 
Buell of the Army of the Ohio and assumed command of it — 
thenceforward, called the 14th Army Corps, or Army of the 
Cumberland. 

Shortly after Julius' arrival the following were announced as 
the permanent Staff of the General. 

Lieutenant Colonel Julius P. Garesch^, Assistant Adjutant 
General and Chief of Staff. 

Major W. H. Sidell, Fifteenth United States Infantry, Act- 
ing Assistant Adjutant General and Chief Mustering and Dis- 
bursing Officer. 

Major C. Goddard, Senior Aide-de-Camp, Acting Assistant 
Adjutant General. 

Captain J. Bates Dickson, Assistant Adjutant General. 

First Lieutenant Henry Stone, First Wisconsin Volunteer 
Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant General. 

Major Ralston Skinner, Judge Advocate. 

Captain Charles R. Thompson, Aide-de-Camp. 

First Lieutenant Frank S. Bond, Tenth Connecticut Volun- 
teers, Aide-de-Camp. 

Second Lieutenant Byron Kirby, Sixth United States In- 
fantry, Aide-de-Camp. 

Captain Robert S. Thoms, Volunteer Aide-de-Camp. 

Captain William D. Bickham, Volunteer Aide-de-Camp. 

Lieutenant Colonel A. C. Ducat, of Illinois, Assistant In- 
spector General. 



404 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Captain J. C. Peterson, Fifteenth United States Infantn', 
Acting Assistant Inspector General. 

Captain Jas. Curtis, Fifteenth United States Inftintry, Act- 
ing Assistant Inspector General. 

Lieutenant Colonel J. TV. Taylor, Quartermaster's Depart- 
ment, Chief Quartermaster. 

Lieutenant Colonel Samuel Simmons, Commissary of Sub- 
sistence, Chief Commissary. 

Surgeon Eben Swift, United States Army, Medical Director. 

Surgeon Weed, Medical Inspector. 

Captain James St. Clair Morton, Corps of Engineers, 
Chief Eno-ineer. 

Second Lieutenant George Burroughs, Corps of Engineers. 

Second Lieutenant H. C. Wharton, Corps of Engineers. 

Captain N. Michler, of Topographical Engineers, Chief of 
Topographical Engineers. 

First Lieutenant T. Edson, Ordnance Corps, Ordnance 
Officer. 

Brigadier General D. S. Stanley, United States Volunteers, 
Chief of Cavalry. 

Colonel James Barnett, First Ohio Artillery, Chief of 
Artillery. 

Captain J. II. Gilman, Nineteenth United States Infantry, 
Inspector of Artillery. 

Lieutenant Colonel W. P. Hepburn, Second Iowa Cavalry, 
Inspector of Cavalry. 

Captain W. M. Wiles, Twenty-second Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, Provost Marshal General. 

Captain Elmer Otis, Fourth United States Cavalry, Chief 
of Courier Lines. 

Captain J. H. Young, Fifteenth United States Infantry, 
Assistant Mustering Officer. 

Captain Jesse JNIerrill, Volunteers, Signal Officer. 

Extracts from Mariquitfa's Letters to Julius. 

" Washington, November 7, 1862. 
" My Darling, 

"The weather has been so cold since your departure that my 'Blues' 
have augmented, because I cannot see how you will be -able to support 
your camp life. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 405 

" Your dear baby is much better, though she contiuues to cough a little. 
She still searches for you in the room, when any one inquires of her as to 
where you are. 

" It snowed all day yesterdaj'. and the children are now on the pave- 
ment, making snowballs and throwing them at each other. 

" Mr. Sullivan* brought me your mail yesterday, and renewed his offers 
of service. On leaving he said: 'Mrs. Garesch6, you know that the Col- 
onel has been kind to me, so that I will be really happy to show him how 
much I feel what he has done for me, and I am ready to serve you at any 
hour of the day or niglit.' * * * * 

"I hardly know what I am writing, for I feel so overwhelmed, that my 
ideas are not clear. I wish that I could sleep from the present moment 
till that of your return. 

" Do not refuse, I implore you, to buy all that is necessary to render 
you warm and comfortable during the night! Take the utmost care of 
yourself, my own beloved. You would certainly do so, if you could only 
realize what you are to me and to your children. 

"Good-bye, darling, your children join me in embracing you with all 
the affection of our hearts. 

" Your Mariquitt.*.." 

"Washington, November 11, 1862. 
" My own beloved husband, 

" AVhere are you at the present moment? I learned that you had break- 
fasted witli the Archbishop of Baltimore, I do not understand the meaning 
of tills. Marie and John left yesterday morning. Marie's heart was very 
full on leaving me. A moment after their departure Willie Keating paid 
me a visit, but without his wife. lie made me many offers of service. He 
returned to Philadelphia to-day. I found him looking well. 

" Yesterday I received a letter from Mamma. She did not say much 
and is still stunned with your departure. 

"Father Maguire visited me yesterday and made me many offers of 
service. I did not dare to tell him that I was about to give up my pew 
in St. Aloysius' Church, but I am going this morning to see Father Wiget 
about it. 

"Adfele continues to cough a little, but otherwise she seems well, and 
has slept a great deal better of late, — as if expressly. 

" I am unable yet to realize that you have left me for a long time. I 
try not to think of it, not to understand it. 

" I carried the two tickets to the Watsons, and asked them to have their 
children pray for you. 

*Mr. Sullivan was a next door neighbor, a loyalist who had lost all his 
means, derived from his possessions in the South, by their confiscation by 
the Kebels. Through Julius' kind and generous efforts he was given a 
clerkship in his own office. 



406 BIOGRAPHV OF 

^^ Nov. I2fh. — I do so wish that I could go to sleep now and not awaken 
till your return, for it is ray one cry not to live away from you. I can 
control myself well enough up to the hour of dinner, but after that I am 
done for, until I retire to sleep. I sincerely hope that you do not miss 
me as I miss you, for it would render you incapable of fulfilling well your 
duties. 

" Mrs. Sullivan was very much put out that you did not call to bid her 
good-bye. Both she and her husband render me many little acts of 
kindness. 

" Adieu, my own dai-ling, I am going to try and do all in my power to 
render myself better and more worthy of you, for I feel more than ever 
that I do not merit having you for my husband. The children all join me 
in embracing you whom we love. 

"Your Mariquitta." 

"Washington, November 12, 1862. 
" My dearly loved one, 

"I have just received your letter dated from Cincinnati. Adfele kissed 
it and made me kiss it many times. She understands perfectly from whom 
it comes. Julio, your baby is the sweetest and the smartest baby that 
ever was. She remembers j-ou undoubtedly. 

" If it costs you so much to be separated from us, imagine what it must 
be then for me I A husband and wife who love each other as we do, ought 
never to be separated ! 

"I have paid *Blanchard and Mohun and have their receipt. 

" Your letter did me good, I feel much less unhappy since its receipt. 
I have read and re-read it, at least six times. 

" Mr. t Hanson has offered me his services, through Mr. Sullivan. It 
is very sweet to me to see how much you are loved and respected here, 
and what a good remembrance you have left in Washington, 

"The children were so sorry that you were not here this morning, to 
enjoy the buckwheat cakes which were very good. 

"Louis has just finished his prayers, asking of God to bring you back 
soon. The children are all asleep, and this would be such a good time 
for a little chat, if you were here. Oh ! how I do miss you, husband 
mine! 

" Mrs. Harrison on leaving this evening, said that she was going to 
write to you to explain why she was prevented from calling to bid you 
Adieu. 

" Last evening, I told Father Lynch that I was going to give up my pew 
in St. Aloysius'. lie answered, that he had intended asking me to do so. 

" I shall take the children to the dentist's Saturdav mornine. 

" The evenings seem to me to be of an indefinite length. Tell me in 

* Principal firm of Booksellers in Washington. 
I Mr. Kichard Hanson. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 407 

your next letter if you sleep well and if your appetite has gained by the 
change of air. * * * * 

" My eyes burn so that I am forced to tell you good night. 

'' I am going to the Fair of your Society to spend some three or four 
dollars, knowing that I will thus please you. 

" Adieu, my darling, we all unite in embracing you with all the out- 
pouring of our hearts. 

"Your Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Nashville, November 21, 1862. 

"Mv DARLING, 

"I am just in receipt of your letter of the 12th, which I read and re- 
read with so much pleasure. I began to be impatisnt at not receiving any 
from you, of which I stood in so great a need. I found here, awaiting 
my arrival, your first letter of the 7th, and then a whole week elapsed 
without further tidings from you. Ah I dearest, I do so love you, and my 
children, and my dear, dear, dear little baby ! Dear little thing, so she 
kissed her Papa's letter, did she? I am glad to see that you all enjoy good 
health — very happy to learn that you intend to take the children to the 
dentist. You must tell Marie when she goes, that I expect her to be very 
brave, and she must be so to please her dear Papa, who will be so happy to 
hear of it. 

"How are you off for money? I beg of you, darling, to answer me 
with precision, and especially, make out the account I asked of you and 
let me know the result. Alexander writes to me that you asked of him a 
remittance, and that he sent you §200. This somewhat surprised me, for 
I thought that what with the proceeds of the gold John was to have re- 
mitted to you you would have sufficient to carry you through the month, 
and then you could have drawn my pay for November. 

" I fear that my expenses will be very heavy, llosecrans receives a 
great deal. True, he pays twice as much as the rest of us, but this does 
not prevent the Mess-bills from being a very serious item. Then there is 
so much risk to run regarding the horses and the baggage. Misfortune 
can so easily overtake a horse, and there are so many thieves in this Army. 
You cannot leave a horse one moment unguarded without his being stolen. 

" For greater precaution, I have sent to Louisville for the purchase of a 
buffalo robe, every one telling me that it is worth 4 or 5 woollen coverings. 
I will, therefore, have no fear of the cold, though it is not cold here. 

" I get along perfectly with Rosecrans ; I was told that I would find him 
a crazy abolitionist: but, though his tendencies are somewhat in that 
direction, it is rather through a Catholic sentiment that he is so, and we 
will, therefore, thoroughly understand each other on this point. 

" My position is a very fine one, and very agreeable. I think that it was 
all the better for me to have left Washington. I am feeling very well, I eat 
•with an appetite, something for a long while past unknown to me. For 
instance, at breakfast I eat a quantity of meat, and again at supper. 



408 BIOGRAPHV OF 

Then I drink a little whisky and brandy every day, and to sura up all, I 
hope soon to grow fleshier. 

"Good-bye, darling. I kiss you tenderly. Lovingly embrace for me 
our dear children. I clasp all five of you in my arms. 

"Before I forget it, let me tell you that we have with us a priest, who 
is to accompany Rosecrans everywhere. 

" Good-bye, darling, 

"Yours alone, 

" Your Jules. 
" P. S, I wish that if you could form a class for the purpose, you would 
give Marie and Tavie dancing lessons." 

Julius to his little daughter Tavie. 

"Nashville, November 26, 1862. 
" My dear little Tavie, 

" Papa received this morning your letter and was so glad to hear from 
you. Not long since Papa got a letter from Marie and answered it right 
away — and now Papa gets a letter from his little Tavie and answers it 
the same day. You must tell dear Mamma not to be an.xious about Papa. 
Papa is perfectly well and getting fat and strong, and there is no reason 
why dear Mamma should be anxious about Papa. Papa's dear little girls 
must try and cheer dear Mamma up, and not let her get sad and sick. And 
the best way to do that, is to be very good and do all that Mamma tells 
you, and study your lessons well, and behave at school and everywhere, 
like little ladies. Then, you see, Mamma's thoughts will be so full of the 
goodness and affection of her dear little girls, that she will not have so 
much time to think about Papa. 

"I want my little girls to study their Catechism* well, .and to ask 
Mamma to take them to Confession once every month. 

"I want my dear little girls, too, to brush their teeth every morning 
and evening. AVill Papa's dear little girls do all these things to please 
him? 

" The City of Nashville, where Papa is now, is the Capital of the State 
of Tennessee, and is situated on the Cumberland river. If you will look 
on the map of the United States, you and Marie will see exsictly where 
Papa is, and how he got hei'c. Papa went first to Baltimore, the principal 
city of Maryland, situated on the Chesapeake Bay — tlien to Harrisburg, 
the capital of Pennsylvania, situated on the Susquehanna River, then to 
Pittsburg, which is built at the point where two rivers, the Alleghany and 
Monongahela, unite and make the Ohio river — then from Pittsburg, which 
is in Pennsylvania, Papa went through Columbus, which is in Ohio, and 

* The principal requests of Julius to his little girls when he was absent 
were: always to be good, to study their Catechism well, and to brush their 
teeth carefully every morning and evening. < 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 409 

down to Cincinnati, which is the largest city in the State of Ohio, and 
situated on the Ohio river. All of this distance, from Washington to 
Cincinnati, Papa travelled by rail. At Cincinnati, Papa stopped one day 
and a night with Uncle Frederick. Then Papa got on a steamboat, and 
came down the Ohio river to Louisville, which is the largest city in the 
State of Kentucky. From Louisville, Papa came down by railroad to a 
place called Mitchellsville, which is in Tennessee, just close to the line of 
Kentucky. Papa slept that night at Mitchellsville in an ambulance, and 
was pretty cold, for he had not his bedding with him. The next day. Papa 
got into an ambulance, and drove down to Nashville. And now. dear 
child, good night. Give Mamma a sweet kiss for Papa, and one to Marie, 
one to Louis, and one to dear little baby. And remember Papa to Lizzie 
and Mary, and tell them that Papa does not forget them and hopes they 
are good for Mamma and for you. 

"Good-bye, darling. Papa kisses you, and is 

" Your own dear good, 

" Papa." 
Mariquiita to Julius. 

"Washington, November 14, 1862. 
" My own darling, 

" The weather, here, for the last three or four days is delicious ; I sup- 
pose, the Indian Summer has commenced. * * * 

"You ought to see Adfele in one of her fits of anger, fighting with every 
one who approaches her. She walks in the footsteps of her brother, and 
promises to become worthy of him. She is as frolicsome as can be, and 
makes all sorts of grimaces and does all manner of ridiculous things to 
make us laugh. Louis is always the object of her admiration. 

"*Mrs. Atkinson does not wish her children to continue taking dancino; 
lessons, so that I have been unable to find the required number to form a 
Class. 

" I am pleased to know that General Ord has been able to return to his 
Division, for it proves that his foot is cured. Give him many kind mes- 
sages from me. 

" Father Lynch took tea with us last Friday, for the first time since your 
departure. He begged to be warmly remembered to you. 

"I cannot express the pleasure I experience in knowing that your 
health is improving and that your appetite is so good. Without this con- 
solation, which is immense, I do not believe I could support our separation. 
But I am so convinced that it is for your good, that you will be benefited 
in every way, that these thoughts give me a courage which astonishes my- 
self. In reality, I am less troubled about you now than I was the last 
year you spent in Washington. 

" Poor Burnside has been engaged with the enemy since before yester- 

* Mrs. Atkinson was a neighbor. 



410 BIOGRAPHY OF 

day. I have but little hope for him, though he has all my sympathies. 
Should the victory remain his, he would astonish very many. * * * 

*'*Mrs. Talbot sends you her kindest regards. 

" Tavie is enchanted with her letter and will answer it to-morrow. I 
hear her even now reading it. 

" Adfeie has added to her vocabulary 'stop' and ' caracaca,' which she 
says with a great deal of emphasis. 

"Adieu, you dear, darling, precious, sweet one. Your children join me 

in embracing you with all the love we bear you. 

" I lovingly press you to my heart. 

" Your Mariquitta." 

"Washington, November 16th, 1862. 
" My dearly beloved, 

"I received day befoi'e yesterday ynur letter of the 10th, and yesterday 
that of the 11th. I thank you for having thus thought of your poor old 
wife, whose one thought turns towards you. I have not written to you 
since Thursday, because I had the blues so painfully that I feai-ed to com- 
municate them to you. Up to that day, I had deluded myself with the hope 
that Nashville was quiet and the rebels not in its vicinity ; but, on that 
evening, I learned that the case was quite different, that there were serious 
skirmishes even under the walls of that city, and then all my philosophy 
left me. I see you surrounded with dangers, Avhich I had not thought of; 
I think, with terror, now, of those horseback rides which I had been so 
ambitious of for you. Altogether, I feel perfectly miserable; and, to add 
to my bad spirits, Marie has just had a severe attack of fever, which lasted 
two days and three nights, and it is only this morning that she is freed 
from it. * * * * 

"Don't feel anxious about us, precious, we will get along very well, as 
long as we have some hope to see you again. 

" I am well pleased that you bought the horses of Colonel Fry, and your 

* Mrs. Talbot, a most excellent Catholic, was the widow of Senator Isham 
Talbot of Kentucky. Her son, Major Theodore Talbot, Assistant Adjutant 
General, U. S. A., who died at Washington in the preceding April, was a 
member of Fremont's expedition to the Kocky Mountains in 1845-6, and 
was appointed and acted as Adjutant of the Battalion of Mountaineers, 
Guides, etc., which co-operated with the Navy in the conquest of California. 
For his bravery and valuable services then he was commissioned in May, 
1847, a 2nd Lieut, in the 1st Artillery. When the War broke out his Com- 
pany was one of those beleaguered in Fort Sumter, and he only missed being 
present at the bombardment by having been selected as the bearer of confi- 
dential dispatches from Major Anderson to the U. S. Government, and, on 
his return to Charleston, being refused permission by the State authorities 
to rejoin his Company. His mother, his sister Mary and himself were great 
friends of Julius and Mariquitta, and were all very much indebted to .Julius 
for many acts of generous friendship, especially during his own last illness. 



LIEVT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 411 

mind ought to be at rest now, for you must have received my letter, in 
which I spoke of *Farish having $700 of yours in his hands. It is useless, 
therefore, to worry and depi'ive yourself of comforts of which you stand in 
need in your new life. Your health is too precious for you to neglect it. 

"I received a telegraphic dispatch yesterday from Papa, telling me to 
come on immediately, that he was awaiting us. I answered him yesterday 
in a lengthy letter, explaining the difficulties that existed to pi-event my 
going to St. Louis at the present moment. I fear Mamma will be hurt by 
my refusal. I do not know what to do. I want to do what is right, and I 
really do not know what it is. I do not believe that you will return here 
whilst a certain person is in power, and it remains to be seen how long his 
time will last. 

" I have not as yet called on General Stone, but I will endeavor to do so 
to-morrow. 

"The amiable attention of General Rosecrans has gained my heart, and 
I hope he will continue to do what depends on him to render your position 
agreeable, or, at least, supportable. 

" Adieu, my darling, we all unite in embracing you and informing you 
that we love you with all the tenderness of our hearts. 

" Your Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Nashville, November 28, 1862. 
" My darling, 

" Day before yesterday, all at one time, I received three long letters 
from you, one from Tavie, one from my little boy, and you can imagine 
my happiness ! I think I must have received all of your letters, for I have 
those of the 7th, 11th, 12th, 16th, and two of the 18th. The reason of my 
being deprived of your letters at first, was that the Mail Agents forwarded 
them by way of Cairo, a useless journey of several hundred miles, which 
I have asked of the Postmaster at Washington to avoid for the Future. 
Perhaps you would do better to inscribe on your letters ' via Louisville.'' 

" I am perfectly well, eating like an ogre. You would not recognize me. 
Even at supper, I eat quantities of meat. I feel that I am gaining in 
strength and that I begin to grow fleshier. The other day, I accompanied 
Gen. Rosecrans in a ride on horseback of at least 16 miles. One of the 
Generals here told me that I should not so soon have taken so long a ride ; 
but so far from causing me the least fatigue, it really did me good. I get 
along most smoothly with Rosecrans, lie is at most but little in advance of 
me in his Abolitionist views. And in regard to the Secessionists, he is as 
good and humane as it is possible to be. For, truthfully, there are so many 
among them, even among the most respectable, and among those who should 
be esteemed as the most honorable, who break their faith with us and abuse 

* Edward T. Farish of St. Louis, married to Julius' sister Lily, a prom- 
ising young lawyer and later Counsellor of the City of St. Louis. He was 
related to the powerful family of Hamilton in Scotland. 



412 BIOGRAPHY OF 

the privileges we accord tliciii, by giving information to the enemy, that 
there is no other way left for our protection than to refuse them every 
thing. Nevertheless, Rosecrans never tires in according them favors, which 
many of his officers condemn as impolitic. On tiie other hand, it must be 
acknowledged, that our soldiers commit many depredations and do a great 
deal of injury to the people of the country, and, too, without making any 
distinction between Unionists and Secessionists. It is impossible to restrain 
them, and it makes one's heart bleed to sec the ravages and hear the recital 
of the outrages which iiavo been committed. They have been so exceed- 
ingly numerous and it is such an utter impossibility to prevent them, that 
wearied of resistance one finishes by becoming accustomed to them. 

" Almost simultaneously with my arrival here I received a letter from 
your Mother and one from Octavie, both of which were very afTectionate. 
Your Mother was very much affected by the orders I had received, and by 
your loneliness, and inquired of me if I had any objection to your going 
with your children to St. Louis. She is very desirous that you should do 
so and promised me should I consent, that she would thereupon join you, 
and remain with you in St. Louis, to aid you with the children. I answered 
her immediately, in a very grateful and affectionate letter, and frankly 
told her the reason I had expressed to you to remain in Washington, but 
that I had, however, left you perfectly free to make your own choice. I 
also answered Octavie's letter. 

"Here, it is not very cold. But I have at last my buffalo rol)e, with 
which, and my three woollen coverings, I need have no fear of the cold. 
Since my arrival here no rain lias fallen, save a slight sprinkle, hence you 
can appreciate how little reliance is to be placed in what the Papers recite 
of us. The skirmishes which you read of are mere trifles, to which we 
pay no attention. Do not, my dear little darling, permit yourself to be 
worried about them, for really it would be too ridiculous. Besides, re- 
member this, that so perfectly am I out of danger, that, except in the case 
of a great battle, I would not be within sound even of the cannon. More- 
over, even in the case of a great battle, I would be but seldom under fire. 
At the battle of Perry ville Buell was not within three miles of the battle- 
field — so, too, with McClellan. And the reason of this is, that with armies 
so large, the line of battle occupies a front of from seven to eight miles. 
Hence, the Commander-in-Chief, to be of easy access to the different corps 
of his Army, must be at a certain distance in the rear. To sum up all, 
my darling, believe me, when I tell you, that 1 may go through several 
battles without even being exposed to fire. 

"Good-bye, my own dear darling, my own beloved wife. Kiss our dear 

little children for me, and believe in the affection which is felt for you by 

your own husband, 

"Julius. 
" Remember me to * Lizzie and * Mary." 

* Lizzie and Mary were Mariquitta's servants. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 413 

Mariquitta to Julius. 

"Washington, November 21, 18G2. 

"My OWN SWEETEST, 

" Your letter of the 14th came yesterday, and it breathed such an air of 
satisfaction, that it satisfied me also, and I pi-omised myself no longer to 
become discouraged. 

"General Rosecrans has all my sympathies, owing to the friendship he 
shows you, and I am in hopes that you both are going to perform marvels. 
I desire peace more tlian ever, and yet, would you Ijelieve it, I am getting 
ain)»itious, and, for your sake, would like General Rosecrans to distinguish 
himself before the War is over. 

" I am very contented to see how satisfied you are with your horses, 
although I still dread those horseback rides, lest you make them too 
long; for, if what they say here be true, the rebels are very near Nash- 
ville. 

"You will doubtless ask why Alexander wrote to me. In reply, I will 
say that when I learned of his having funds of yours, and in my doubt as 
to whether I would go to St. Louis, I begged him to send me $100 to pay 
Maguire & Co., before my departure. In lieu of $100, he sent me .$200, 
saying that I might find myself in trouble for want of money, and that it 
was better to have more than less. 

"At the same time that I received his letter I also received one from 
Mamma and one from Octavie, be^ning me to come to St. Louis for the 
Winter. Poor Mamma seemed so sad and frightened at my loneliness that 
really last evening I was almost resolved to leave next week, renting my 
house all furnished to the first of April. I asked Lizzie if she would go 
with me, and she at once answered: ' Oli I yes mam,' and will you believe 
it, Mary is very jealous of this preference. I then went to sle((p with the 
perspective of going, to the great satisfaction of the cliildren ; ))ut this 
morning, when I considered the difficulties that presented themselves, I 
asked myself whether I ought not to remain, though my heart called me 
out there. Mr. Sullivan, whom I consulted this morning, assured me that 
he feared if I went to St. Louis, it would raise enemies against you, would 
cause you to be looked upon with suspicion, and that he thought it moi-e 
prnd(!nt on my part to stay. I take your position too much to heart, my 
own darling, to expose you to lose it through my fault and I will accord- 
ingly try to keep courage. 

" The cough of y<jur baby continues a little at night, but otherwise she 
is very well, eats like a little wolf, and becomes more and more smart. 
She makes frantic efforts to talk. 

"Marie is over her fever, but suffers from her ear at night. She has 
not been to school the whole week. 

" Tavie is good as usual, but very much disgusted this morning, because 
I am not packing my trunks. 



414 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" I had two royal battles with Louis yesterday, and gained the advantage ; 
this morning he is a model of goodness. 

"It is raining since Monday, and to-day is Friday, what think you of 
this? I cannot go out, and believe that the best thing for nic to do is to 
write to General Stone, or, now that I think of it, I will ask *Carb Lay to 
carry to him the papers you left for him. 

"Adieu, my darling, we all unite in embracing you with all the affection 
of our hearts. 

" Your Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Nashville, December 1, 1862. 
" My^ own dear little wife, 

•' I love you ! Do you believe it? You dear little, sweet thing. I have 
just received your letter of the 21st, and it did me so much good to see you 
so brave and to have such a good long letter from you, that I sit down at 
once to try to answer it. I do not know whether I shall be allowed to do 
80, but I will try anyway. Poor Louis' letter has to be postponed. I 
intended to write to him first. But you can tell him that I hear he was 
quite naughty one day, and so he must wait a day or two for his letter. 

" Yesterday, I was quite sad all day, for I had heard of Alex, f Parker, 
Juliette and even poor Laura's having been assessed, and really, I could 
not see what was the use of people's taking the oath of allegiance and 
honorably keeping it, when they were to be hunted down and persecuted 
and robbed in this way. I had, therefore, need of your letter, my dear 
wife, to cheer me up and put me in better spii'its. 

" As regards going to St. Louis, I have no advice to give you. I do not 
attach much importance to what Mr. Sullivan says. I attach more to the 
possibility of your having difficulty with your Mother and Sisters, on ac- 
count of their political feelings. But, as I said before, my dear Mariquitta, 
I leave you free to do just as you think best and yourself prefer. 

"Pay Mr. Fisher and Dr. Johnston, by all means; Mr. Fisher as soon 
as you possibly can. Every thing is so uncertain, that while we have the 
money to do it, let us pay every thing we owe, and contract no debts. I 
have already written to you, to say that I will not need my pay for No- 
vember and, tliorefore, that you had better draw it on the pay accounts I 
left, signed, with you, on my departure. 

"I can't tell you, dearest, how much I enjoy riding, and being the 
owner of two such good horses. One of them is a little mare, not so very 

* Capt. Carbery Lay, U. S. A., one of the sons of Mr. Richard Lay of 
"Washington, and, like all his family, a devoted friend to Julius and his 
little family. He owed his commission to Julius' kindness, as did also his 
brother Richard. 

f Parker Norris, of an old and wealthy Philadelphia family. He was 
then living in St. Louis and was married to Julius' sister Mary. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 415 

little either, black as jet, and a perfect' little beauty 1 Fry valued her very 
highly, and I had to pay $30 more for her tiian for the other one. 

"I was both astonished and amused to hear that you arc actually be- 
coming ambitious on my account. I can't say that I am. AH I hope for, 
is to do my duty and to give satisfaction to the Army with which I am 
serving. It is a very fine Army — there are among the volunteer officers 
serving with it some really capital soldiers and very agreeable gentlemen. 
My intercourse with the Generals and with General Rosccrans' staff is 
very pleasant. I have met several old friends here — Generals * Thomas, 
Schuyler f Hamilton &c., and made many agreeable acquaintances. Among 
the officers of the regular Army, high in command here, is one to whom 
I have taken a great fancy, Major General McCook, who commands the 
Right Wing of the Army. He is such a generous, whole-souled fellow. 

"As for your ambition, I think it will be gratified, so far as Rosecrans 
is concerned. For he is, undoubtedly, the best general we have now in 
command. I was astonished to find what a transformation has taken 
place in tlie man. He is no longer the same man I used to know, but a 
sharp, fearless, determined man, quick as lightning in all he does, and 
who makes every thing move. He will not easily be beaten, and is sure, I 
think, to beat any army that the Rebels can bring against him. Indeed, I 
don't think they will dare accept battle from him. 

"And, now, good-bye, my dear pet. Kiss our dear little children, all of 
them, for me, Marie, Tavie, Louis and Adfele, — my own little pets. And do 
not forget to remember me to Lizzie and Mary. I was very much pleased 
to hear that both of them were willing and anxious to go with you, if you 
went to St. Louis. Tell them I am pleased to hear that tliey arc good girls. 

" I clasp you, dearest, within my arms, and kiss you with all the earnest 
affection with which I love you. 

"Your Jules." 

Julius to his little boy Louis. 

"Head Quarters Fourteenth Armv Corps, 
" Department of the Cumberland, 
" Nashville, Tennessee, December 3, 1862. 
" Mt own dear little boy Louis, 

"Is my little boy well and is he a good boy? Papa hopes so. For, 
now that Papa is gone away from home, my dear little Louis must be a 
very good boy. He must take care of his dear Mamma and do every 
thing she asks him, and be good to his little Sisters, and not quarrel or 
fight with them, and not tease them, and love dear little Adele. 

"Papa has two fine horses— one is a sorrel horse, and the other is a 
pretty little black mare. And Papa loves to ride them, and Papa wishes he 
could let his dear little Louis ride them. If Louis gets well and is a good 

*M{ij. Gen. Geo. H. Thomas, commanding the Centre "Wing. 

f Gen. Schuyler Hamilton was a classmate of Julius at West Point. 



416 BIOGRAPHY OF 

boy, maybe Papa will bring home "his pretty little black mare for Louis 
to ride on. But Papa can't promise to do it, unless Louis is very good. 

"Good-bye, my own dear little boy. Papa loves you very much. Kiss 
dear, dear Mamma, and Marie, and Tavie, and little Adfele for dear 

" Papa. 
"Remember Papa to Miss *Sisy and Miss Mary — and to Lizzie and 
Mary." 

Mariquitta to Julius. 

" Washington, November 29, 1862. 
" My darling, 

" Ten days have passed by since I last hoard from you, with the excep- 
tion of your little letter to Marie, which rendered her very happy. 

"Octavie went with me to Dr. Donaldson's on Tuesday last, and very 
obediently allowed him to extract a little tooth. Marie consents to go this 
morning to Dr. Hunt, but I doubt whether the result of this visit will be 
as satisfactory. 

" I have just had another battle with my son, and, as usual, he is charm- 
ing ever since. 

"Mr. Sullivan told me that they had received at the War Department 
a telegraphic dispatch from you, saying that you were well, so that I have 
not been so anxious; still, I find it painful to remain so many days with- 
out a word of affection from you. I believe that my former jealousy for 
General Rosecrans will recommence, for it seems to me that he ought to 
leave you a little more time for your poor old wife. I am no longer 
thinking of leaving Washington for the time being. 

" Mrs. t Vincent called on me and repeated her husband's offers of service. 
Mrs. Goddard also called. I did not see her, but she told Mary that she 
was very desirous of having news of the Colonel. 

"I send you Mamma's last letter, thinking that you will read it with 
pleasure. It has confirmed me in my resolution of remaining here. 

" Good-bye, my own darling, your children join me in embracing you 

with all the tenderness of our love. 

" Your Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" N.\shville, December 6, 1862. 
" My darling, 

" To-day only I received your letter of the 29th, enclosing me one from 
your Mother. I read both with a great deal of pleasure. But I do not 

* Miss Lucretift and Miss Mary Kerr, young Catholic ladies who kept a 
select private school for girls, which little Marie, Tavie, and Louis — the 
only privileged boy, excepting another — attended. Julius had shown great 
kindness to these young ladies and their widowed mother. 

f Wife of Major Thomas M. Vincent, an able young Artillery officer 
recently appointed to the Adjutant General's Corps, and a graduate of West 
Point. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 417 

understand, darling, how you can have been so long without a letter from 
me, as I have written to you so regularly. 

"I am glad to learn, through the children, that you are about to give 
them dancing lessons. It is one of the very best things we can do for our 
little Marie : lot it then be done while we have the funds. For wo cannot 
count upon the Futui'e, in the midst of such a Revolution as that in which 
we are now living. I say this, through no sentiment of fear, for I have a 
great deal more hope since my arrival here — but through prudence. I 
cannot explain it, and yet my hopes constantly increase. And, I begin to 
think that Father Maguire is not very far from the truth, in his observa- 
tion that all will be arranged in January. I do not go so far, because I 
cannot believe that any Peace is possible with the present Congress. But 
their term expires the 4th of next March. And, I would not be at all sur- 
prised- to learn that within a month later measures would be taken in the 
interest of Peace. And, do you know, I believe that the only great battle 
will be here, right on our Line, and that the only great victory of this 
War will, again, be borne off by oia- Army. This thought, I assm-e you, 
inspires me ! 

" I am well pleased to know that my little Tavie has had so bravely 
taken out, the tooth which has tormented me. AVhat did the Dentist say of 
her teeth, has he again thought that it would be necessary to put bands of 
metal in her mouth, in order to correct the teeth which are hooked together? 
And my little Marie, did she have the courage to permit the extraction of 
the teeth, required to be taken out? 

" I had another affectionate letter to-day from your Mother. And the 
other day, I had another from Octavie. Both gave me such pleasure, they 
breathed such a sincere affection for you and for me. It is pleasant to see 
one's self so well loved I 

"I am in splendid health. This life suits me. I eat always with a 
formidable appetite, and drink no little whisky. There is so much talk- 
ing going on around me, that I cannot keep my thoughts on what I am 
writing. 

" Adieu, my dearly loved wife, embrace our dear little children very 
tenderly for me. Never omit to remember me to Fathers Lynch and 
Maguire. Kind messages to Lizzie and Mary. 

" Again, do I embrace you, my dear Mariquitta, and ever remain, 

" Your loving husband, 

"Jules." 
Mariquitta to Julius. 

"Washington, November 30th, 1862. 
" My dear husband, 

"At length, I have received your letter of the 21st, and it proves that 
many of mine have been lost, which profoundly disgusts me and dis- 
heartens me for the future. 

"What you relate of your appetite delights me,, and I hope that your 

27 



418 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Mess will contiiuie to be satisfactory. At any rate, I shall not touch your 
pay for November until I am certain that you have less need of it than 
myself. 

" I am very, very hajipv that you jxot alons so well with General Kose- 
crans. Rememhor wliat Father Ma<iuire told you, that you were not re- 
sponsible for the actions of your superiors. It is such a good counsel, 
that T love to refresh my memory with it. 

" Since you desire it, I shall commence giving my little girls their 
dancing lessons this week. 

" I am as economical as you can wish ; I watch my grocery books as a 
cat does its little ones, and I keep a daily account of all I buy from 
Stewart. * * * 

" Poor Mamma rends my heart with hor supplications, and it costs me 
more than 1 can express to you to have to atttict her by my refusals, hut 1 
feel too strongly that my duty lies in that way, to give in, and I try to 
console her by writing to her very frequently. 

" The children arc all well. Marie and Tavie apply themselves to their 
music, and I am satisfied with their progress; but I cannot say the same 
thing of Marie's bravery. I can never induce her to go to the dentist's. 

"Louis has spent his afternoon in copying my accounts; he is more 
mischievous than ever, and deserves a spanking every day. 

"AdMe has almost cut two other teeth, that is to say, I have hardly 
slept of late. 

" Carb Lay told me the other day, that you were very much regretted 
at the Office. * * * 

"Adieu, darling, we all join in embracing you with all the aftection of 

our hearts. 

"Your Mariqvitta." 

Julius to MariqHi'tfa. 

"Nashville, December 10, ISOl!. 
•• My darlixg, 

" I received the other day your letter of the 30th Xoven\ber. I wrote 
you a line, day before yesterday, on receiving your letter, which I slipped 
into tlie one I wrote to Tavie. I have had no news from you since. I do 
not understand, darling, how it is that you are so long without my letters. 
For, I have endeavored to profit by the time we spend in tlie city to write 
to you as often as I can. I do not think that I have allowed four days to 
pass by since my arrival here, without writing cither to you or to the 
children. The only thing that I do not like in the idea of our placing 
ourselves in the country, is the fear that I shall then no longer have the 
opportunity of writing to you as often as I would wish. My little darling, 
I love you with all u\y heart, and would wish to spare you all care, all 
anxiety, all heart-ache. And, knowing your disposition to be anxious, 1 
am always considering the means of dispelling your anxiety. Excepting 
that, there is no reason why I should not wish to be in a tout and in the 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 4] 9 

country. In the first place, I shall there be less at a desk, T shall he more 
on horseback. Then, I wisli to see, to assist in a ^reat battle. Now, my 
dear little Quiquitta, let me tell you that yon will have no reason to be 
alarmed about me. You know that I have presentiments, which will fail 
to be ever realized, and I have a rooted ])resontiment that no harm will 
befall mc — that, on the contrary, I shall come out of this War with a higher 
rank and more elevated position, although I am not ambitious for them. 

" I like very much my Service. My position is very fine. I am pleased 
to be in the midst of these brave soldiers of the West, who are so different 
and so much superior to the Yankees. My relations with our Generals 
ai*e very agreeable. Already my name is known throughout this Army. 
And what proves it to me is that — an unheard of and unknown thing to 
me before — every one here knows how to write it correctly. At Wash- 
ington, all the letters I received bore my name written in an atrocious 
fashion ; whereas, here, they are all correctly addressed. 

"I continue to get along perfectly well with Rosecrans. In spite of all 
I was told about his being such an Abolitionist, etc., I see that he is noth- 
ing of the sort. He is very humane, very generous to the Secessionists, 
even more so, than 1 would dare to be. But his reputation of an Aboli- 
tionist permits him to do a. great many things that I could not do. 

"All the Court* of Buell is here just now, Buell and Ord among the 
number. Ord walks very well without the assistance of crutches, although 
his leg is not yet very strong. 

"I am very much displeased that Marie would not allow her tooth to bo 
extracted. I trust she will end by consenting. 

" I would dearly love to find myself among you all, even but for a mo- 
ment, to have you in my arms, to caress my children, to have my dear 
little baby on my shoulder I 

" Tell me how much money my brother members made with their two 
Concerts ? 

" I must now tell you Adieu, darling, for there are so many in the room, 
that I no longer know what I am saying. 

" I met here a charming young Iloban, nephew of Father Iloban. The 
d'Ouville family is also here, and I learned this through Capt. Crofton 
who is likewise here; but I have not as yet had the time to call u])on 
them. 

" Day before yesterday, Rosecrans expected to have a battle. For my- 
self, I predicted that the enemy had not the least idea of attacking us, 
and I had good reason to think so. For they are still falling back in our 
rear, and I doubt exceedingly whether we shall succeed in obtaining a 
battle during this campaign. 

* Military Commission, in session Nov. 24, 1862-May 10, 18G3, to investi- 
gate Gen. Buell's Campaign in Tennessee and Kentucky, and of which Gen. 
Ord was a member. Gen. Ord was severely wounded at the Battle of the 
Hatchie Oct. 5, 18G2, while in command. 



420 BIOGRAPHY OF 

*' Adieu, ray dearly beloved wife, I embrace you, as also our dear little 
children, with all my heart. A thousand kind messages to Fathers Lynch, 
Maguire, and Early, and to all my friends. Many kind messages also to 

Lizzie and Mary. 

" "Wholly yours for life, 

"Jules." 

Mariquitta to Julius. 

" Washington, December 4, 1862. 
"Dear Julio, 

" Tavio received your letter yesterday, and was enchanted, but Marie's 
jealousy was excited, because Tavie's letter was longer than hers, and 
Louis thinks you make hira wait too long for your answer to his. * * * 

"I sent Colonel Fry $25, but he refused to take it, saying that you owed 
him nothing further on the horses. 

" I keep my accounts with an exactness that is admirable. As I told 
you in my last letter, I prefer that you only should touch your pay for this 
month, for I imagine that you must be in need of it, and I do not want 
you to appear shabby among the circle of officers you form part of. 

" Baby has cut two other teeth ; she says very distinctly, ' Papa, Papa, 
my Papa.' 

"Father Maguire was here yesterday and charged me with many kind 
messages for you. 

"Yesterday, I called at Harvey's to pay him for half a ton of coal. He 
inquired after you, and said that the members of the * Society prayed for 
you, all in unison, at every one of their meetings, and in particular every 
day, all of which makes me feel very kindly disposed towards the Society. 

"I would like to know if you think often of your old wife, who misses 
you so much at each hour of tiie day and night ; but even whilst I am 
thinking of you, I have courage to endure your absence, because I think 
it is beneficial for you, and really I am less worried about you now than 
when you were here. True love is not selfish, and I do love you with all 
the fervor of my heart. 

" Mr. Callan told C. yesterday that he unceasingly heard expressions of 
regret at your absence, and that the only thought which consoled your 
friends was, that their loss was your gain. 

" INIr. Clymmcr informed me, he had heard that General Lorenzo Thomas 
was furious when he returned from Ilarrisburg, and swore and protested 
against your departure, and that it is generally believed, that had he been 
here; you would not have gone. * * * 

"Adieu, my own darling, I tiiank you for having answered Mamma and 
Octavic, for they desired ardently to have news direct from you. Your 
little dai'lings join me in embracing you as we love you. 

" Your Mariquitta." 



* Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 421 

Julius to MariquiUa. 

"Nashville, December 13, 1862. 
*' My Darling, 

" I received yesterday your letter of the 4th, and it gave me a great 
deal of pleasure. I am happy to see with what courage you bear my ab- 
sence. It tranquillizes my mind, and leaves me more at liberty to apply 
myself to my duties — and even fills me with courage. Dear little one, I 
love you much more thus. And the further I proceed, the more am I 
pleased to have come here, to find myself in the midst of the War, to feel 
that I am at last — a Soldier. I am happy and contented. I enjoy my 
position, which is even more magnificent than the one I occupied in Wash- 
ington. Every day, I make new acquaintances. There is another thing 
of which I am excessively proud — can you imagine what it can be? Do 
you recall how often I expressed to you the desire I had to possess one day 
a horse of my own? Well ! I have two, with which I am enchanted, and 
which receive every day compliments from all who see them. I am sorry 
that Fry would not take the additional $25, for I cannot doubt but that 
these horses are worth even more. I believe that I could sell my mare at 
any price, for it is such a beautiful little animal, and has so many good 
qualities. The horse is also beautiful, strong and gentle — all that I could 
desire. With my horror of incurring obligations, I do not like to owe this 
to Fry, warm friend that he is. 

" I i-egret to learn that my little Marie felt jealous at Tavie's receiving a 
longer letter than she did. My reason for doing this was, that having com- 
menced relating to Tavie my trip, the recital was prolonged by the necessity 
of making them thoroughly comprehend the route I had taken. I say ' them,'' 
because the fact is, that I wished to give to both a lesson in Geography. 

"Well! my Mariquitta, what do you think now of my poor Society? 
I cannot tell you how touched I was to learn that they are praying for me ! 
I believe they love me, and I am very confident that their prayers will 
procure for me the grace of God. 

" Sundai/, Dec. Hfh. — Darling, I love you and am constantly thinking 
of you, of our children, and of the moment of my return — which, 1 be- 
lieve, is not far distant. Every thing goes to prove that there is an im- 
mense change in public opinion — that both sides are painfully wearied 
with the War. They talk of Peace so strongly just now, that the War 
cannot last longer than six months at the farthest. I shall, naturally 
enough, not be sorry; and yet, to confess the truth to you, I am pleased 
with this life. 

" I should love to hear my dear little baby say ' Papa' — how sweet she 
must be! Have the children yet commenced their dancing lessons? 

" I do not believe that we shall succeed in obtaining a battle. The Con- 
federates have lately advanced upon us, but without daring to attack us, 
and they hold themselves in readiness to fold up their baggage and decamp 
the moment we shall march upon them. 



422 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"Good-bye, my darlino;. Embrace very tenderly for me our dear little 
childroii. Give many kind messages from me to all our friends, not for- 
getting Lizzie and INIary. 

" I lovingly embrace you and am always 

" Your Julio." 

Mariquitta to Julius. 

" Washington, December 6, 1862. 
" My beloved, 

" Every thing is frozen in me excepting my love for you, and I am happy 
to know that you do not suffer from the cold in Nashville as we do here. 
On leaving St. Patrick's after Mass, every one was complaining. I stopped 
at Mrs. Lay's with the children to warm ourselves, for we could not walk. 
I can hardly believe that there was any fire in the church. 

" JMarie is pale and thin, the other children are well. Louis is as bad as 
ever. I have just had another battle with him, and I do not know whom 
to call victorious. 

"Is your chaplain a Jesuit, and what is his name? 

" It seems as if a year must have elapsed since your departure. Never 
has a month seemed so long. Oh ! my Julio, my Julio, will we ever meet 
again ! Without any visible cause, I have felt so saddened since yesterday, 
that I fear it must mean that you are suffering in some manner or other. 

" I shall send all my letters for the future via Louisville, so that they 
may arrive without any delay. 

" Let me tell you that Tavie applies herself with great fervor to her 
music and is making marked progress. She shows an ardor that amuses 
me, and which comes from her desire to overtake Emma.* 

"Your baby is becoming sweeter every day. She has made great 
advancement in smartness since your departure. * * * * 

" Good night, my darling, I will close my letter to-morrow morning ; for 
now I must go to bed as Miss mousef calls me. 

" Before I forget it, let me ask you for an explanation of General Rose- 
crans' order that his Staff should assist at Mass on Wednesdays. This 
order puzzles a great many persons. 

" Dec. 7th. — I have only time to tell you Adieu. We are all well this 
morning, and all join in embracing you with all the affection of our hearts. 

" Your Mariquitta." 

Mariquitta to Julius. 

"Washington, December 11, 1862. 
" My beloved, 

" I have been suffering so much from my eyes during the last few days 
that it was impossible for me to write to you. I sincerely hope this delay 

* Emma Atkinson, a little playmate. 
f Little Adele, his baby. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 423 

will cause you no alarm. We are all well, aside from the blues that I have 
had most intensely at times. 

" Louis received yesterday your letter of the 3rd, and has made his sis- 
ters and me read it again and again. We found it upon our return from 
the Fair for the Orphans of the ladies of St. Joseph's Convent, vrhere we 
had spent $4 for your intention. Every evening we all say together a 
Decade of Beads, asking of the Blessed Virgin to protect you and return 
you soon to our caresses. 

"You ought to see the seriousness with which Adfele is sitting right 
opposite to me in her little chair playing with a spool of thread. * * * 

" Dec. \1th. — I went to sleep last evening with a heavy heart, because I 
saw in the *Evening Star that Nashville was menaced by an immense 
army. The War has a very serious appearance at this moment. 

" Your baby is too, too sweet, and so smart. Her favorite position now 
is, to place herself on her knees before a chair. 

" If I could send you all the letters that are in my tJwughts before I 
retire to rest, and when I am awakened during the night, you would 
already have a volume. Do you think as much of me as that, you sweet, 
darling one ! 

" Adieu, my dearest, we all unite in embracing you with all the affection 
of our hearts. 

"Your Mariquitta." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Nashville, Tenn., December 17, 1862. 

" My OWN DARLING WIFE, 

"Just at this moment I received your letter of the 11th December, and 
am happy to perceive how vei-y much you love me. I, too, my pet, do 
most tenderly love you, and dwell on the pleasure of the moment when we 
shall meet again. And yet, I must say, that I do not regret having left 
Washington. In every respect, it was to my advantage. Very certainly, 
I would have ended in a quarrel with Stanton, and I would have been too 
much excited to have remained amongst those outrageous and devil beset 
abolitionists. While here, we know nothing of their deviltries. We have 
no time to read the papers, and politics are rarely mentioned. I am oa 
good terms with everybody. I eat well, sleep well, my mind is at rest, 
and I am getting fleshier. I was astonished, on taking my bath this 
jnorning, to find how much flesh I had gained. Arms and limbs were so 
round and solid, that I felt proud of myself. 

" Before I forget it, let me ask of you, my dear pet, to send ten cents to 
each of the little Watsons. I had promised this to them, if they would 
learn to say well their prayers, which they had almost accomplished, 
before my departure. 

"A few days since, I received a letter from Montgomery Blair, and it 

* Daily evening newspaper in Washington. 



424 BIOGRAPHY OF 

gave me great pleasure. On learning of the assessment imposed on Alex- 
ander, I wrote to him to protest against it. His reply was a very kind one 
in its tone, and he promised that he would do all that lay in his power to 
have those of Alexander and Parker set aside, and announced to me that 
he had made an effort to have even that of Juliette released. lie closed by 
saying, ' I know Alexander Garesch^ well. I have long known him to be 
an honest man and a sincere patriot. He is rather impulsive and is thus 
led sometimes into errors — but who is not? But he has the courage, 
which few have, always to correct them and make amends.' 

"You have given me real pleasure, in telling me that my dear little 
Tavie makes such progress in her music : and, since such is the case, and 
the poor little thing is so eager to learn music, let her continue her les- 
sons. But you do not, my darling, tell me whether they have begun their 
dancing lessons. 

" I see that my son is very naughty, and that my dear little baby is as 
sweet as possible. I do miss her so much I 

" Tell Louis that I have the prettiest black mare one can see, and that I 
thought that on my return home I would take it with me and give it to 
him. But if he continues to be so bad, he shall never have it. 

" Our Chaplain is Father Trecy. He is not a Jesuit, but he is an old 
acquaintance of mine, whom I had twice aided in obtaining from the War 
Department something he wished. To answer another of your questions, 
I do not know who invented the silly story that Rosecrans compelled his 
officers to attend Mass every Wednesday. Neither on Wednesday, nor 
on Sunday, has he ever made such a request, even of any of his Aides- 
de-Camp. Of about the twenty officers of his Staff, I am the only 
Catholic. 

"Did you have the cushions of your pew at St, Aloysius' transferred to 
St. Patrick's? 

"Good-bye, ' my own Mariquitta.' Very tenderly kiss for me our dear 
little children. Give plenty of kind messages from me to all of our 
friends-, and do not forget to remember me to Lizzie and Mary. Fondly 
do I clasp you in my arms and am always, darling, 

" Your own 

"Julio." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Nashville, Tenn., December 18, 1862. 
" My sweetest, 

" Though •! wrote to you yesterday, and the horses, already saddled, are 
hitched before the door, ready for a ride, I must take with the General — 
but who is detained — I will, at least, begin this letter to you, my darling 
wife, to thank you for your sweet one of the 11th, which I have just re- 
ceived. To see how much you love me, is to me a source of the sweetest 
emotions. And I, too, dearly love you, my pet, — paying to you, in this 
respect, a full return. I look forward with such delight to the moment of 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 425 

our reunion, and with such a fervent wish that we may never again be 
separated. And yet, this enforced absence benefits nie in many respects ; 
but, once over, I do not desire ever again to leave you. But to repeat, 
more than one advantage results from this absence ; some of them I have 
already mentioned. But there is another, and it is the most important. 
It is this, that hel-e — far removed from the Maelstrom and distraction of 
politics, my mind has resumed its wonted calm. My heart, rid of the 
violent feelings which there stifled it, here moi'e readily turns to God. I 
no longer am, or at least but little am, tempted to offend Him. I feel that 
I am much better, and I hope that with all of the good prayers which are 
being offered to God for me, that I will obtain from him the grace never 
again seriously to offend Him. I do not experience the least disposition to 
do so. A great calm reigns within me — I no longer worry over things I 
can't prevent — I no longer become irritated against those who, according 
to my ideas, are leading the country to ruin — I leave every thing in the 
hands of God, do my duty — and hope I 

" Let me thank you, my dear pet, for having, at last, given me the 
information I asked, and I compliment you upon your economy. If your 
future expenses, per month, do not exceed those of November — especially 
if the $8.40 paid to Blanchard & Mohun are to be included in the $162 — 
we will get along splendidly, a great deal better than I had dared to hope. 
I have not yet made the estimate of what will be ray own expenses, but I 
judge they will amount to at least $100, per month, for I plainly perceive 
that I must employ another servant. 

"Do you know that I was deeply touched to learn that you regularly, 
every day, with our little children, said a decade of beads for me ! I so 
love to see you thus occupied! And I hope that my little darlings will 
thus acquire the habit of saying their beads — a habit, which would last 
them throughout life. Try to impress on their tender hearts a great con- 
fidence in the Blessed Virgin, and a great love for her. And do not omit 
to make them go every month to Confession. 

" Do not, ray pet, worry yourself about me. I am under the protection 
of God, and of the Blessed Virgin ; be sure that no harm will befall me. 
I have a profound conviction that I will return safe and sound. Rosecrans 
has never yet lost a battle. He has now a magnificent Array. It is not 
now, that he Avould allow himself to be beaten by an Army like that of 
Bragg. And as for the skirmishes, which occur every day between the 
outposts, they are trifles which do not concern me. I have not yet seen 
the enemy. Burnside, I see, has been repulsed. Mark my prediction, 
McClellan will again be recalled to the head of that Army, and then 
Stanton will vacate. A trial may, perhaps, be made of Hooker before 
then, but he will be recalled. 

'■'^ Dec. \Wi. — Little else, my Mariquitta, have I to add, except that I 
love you, very much, with all my heart — and when I think of it, and I 
often take it as the subject of my meditation, I am happy to think that 



426 BIOGRAPHY OF 

jou are my wife, happy to think that I am so loved by you and that, after 
all, we have been created for each other. What think you of this? 

" Embrace my darling little loves for nio. Tell them that Papa very 
often thinks of them and would dearly love to be able to see them from 
time to time. Many kind messages to all of our friends, and always re- 
member me to Lizzie and Mary. If they know that I always ask this, 
that I speak and think of them, they will feel as if they made part of the 
family and will give you less trouble. 

" Now, darling, I must say to you good night. I clasp you tenderly in 
my arms and remain, 

" Your Julio." 

This letter, ineDtioning his feeliug that he could never again 
sin, his "not experiencing the least disposition to do so/' seemed 
to poor Mariquitta to betoken so plainly his approaching end, 
so characteristic of tliat terrible event, that her loving heart 
was filled with an indescribable anxiety and anguish — knowing 
already the prophecy of his death and his own presentiments 
thereof, notwithstanding his solicitous attempts to dispel her 
fears on the subject, both before and after he joined the Army 
of the Cumberland. And now only too truly were her anxious 
fears to be realized, for a few days afterwards, and before he re- 
ceived her troubled answer, the painful intelligence was received 
of his death. 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

"Nashville, Tenn., December 21, IS02. 

" Mr DARLING, 

" I wrote to you but two days ago, but as I have a leisure moment, I 
begin a Ijit of a letter to tell you, my dear wife, that T dearly love you, 
that I am constantly thinking of you — for some days past, much more 
than I was able to do upon my arrival here. For then, all my duties were 
new to me, I had every thing to learn, and yet my whole duty had as 
thoroughly to be performed as if I were perfectly familiar with it. Nat- 
urally, my mind was very much preoccupied. But now that I have ac- 
quainted myself with my duties, I have more time to think of you — and 
very often, and very tenderly do I think of you, my dearest, whom I love 
with all my heart. My darling, I love you dearly, and I love to see that 
you love me as much. 

" The other day, I had a letter from Farish in whic-h I learn that Mary 
and Parker have left. Poor Lily is in despair. It pains me to see my 
family, which has always been so united, begin thus to scatter. Still, it 
could no longer be questioned that the change was necessary for Mary's 
health, ruined as it was. The physicians appear to think that the climate 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 427 

of California, which has proved so beneficial to so many broken down con- 
stitutions, may restore her. At all events, it was her only chance. You 
•will confer a great pleasure on me, my dear wife, if you would, at once, 
write to Mary, who must now be in Philadelphia, to invite her to come 
and spend a few days with you. She has never stayed beneath my roof. 
I would like, moreover, for my children to become acquainted with their 
little cousins, before they go so far away. Mary sails from New York City 
for California on the 12th of January. Farish informs me that, by order 
of the President, all of the St. Louis assessments have been set aside. I 
do hope that whatever may happen, they will, at least, let Alexander alone. 
Unless the rumored Cabinet changes occur, and the Radicals obtain pos- 
session of them, then poor Missouri would suffer. But their reign would 
not last beyond the 4th of March. 

" Last night, I paid a visit to * Madame d'Ouville, but I did not succeed 
in seeing her. I rang twice at the house pointed out to me as her resi- 
dence — the house of the same Yeatmans of St. Louis, who dwelt there in 
Yeatman Row — and though a lady came to reconnoitre me from a window, 
still she would not open the door. It is true, that the house was a very 
large one, with a large wing attached, which I mistook for the house itself, 
hence I rang at the side door. Possibly, therefore, the lady may have 
thought that I had evil intentions. The fact is, that we have among our 
soldiers so lai'ge a number of bandits, thieves, &c., that the citizens may 
well hold us in dread. 

"Just this moment I I'eceived your letter of the 14th, which, as usual, 
though addressed via Louisville, and despite my protests to the Post Master 
at Washington, again took the route of Cairo. General Rosecrans has 
written to the Post Master General, to complain of it. If you should see 
t Mr. Lay, inquire of him why they will persist in such stupidity. 

" Embrace my dear little children for me. And for yourself, my sweet, 

receive a thousand tender kisses from your 

"Julio. 

" Many kind messages to all of our friends — to Lizzie and Mary." 

Julius to MariquUta. 

" Nashville, Tenn., December 24, 1862. 

" Mr OWN DARLING, 

" I am thinking of you and my dear little children, this day before 
Christmas, with tender affection — and I see my little ones all expectation 

* Madame Augusta de Zevallos d'Ouville, a connection of Mariquitta and 
related through her own familj^, the De Zevallos, to the most illustrious 
houses in Spain, and through her husband's, the d'Ouvilles, to the old 
noblesse of France. She was on a visit to Nashville, and was now compelled 
to remain there, owing to the military movements. 

f Mr. Richard Lay, a most estimable old Catholic gentleman, held a posi- 
iion in the Post Office Department. 



428 BIOGRAPHY OF 

and excitement at the coming of Christmas, with its presents and merry 
times. And I see my poor dear wife — all the brightness without casting 
a shadow within — saddened by the very joy of her children — and tiiinking 
of her poor dear Julio far away ! Is it not so, my own pet ? I know that, 
and feel for my own little wife, for she loves me and cannot help feeling 
60 — and yet, I am perfectly well, and as happy and satisfied as I can be, 
away from my own dear home-circle. 

" We will move forward to-morrow and I am heartily glad of it. I 
want to be in the field — not in an office, and a city. I have been longing 
for some time past to get oflf, and in the saddle. 

" I am by no means sure that we will move far, indeed hardly think we 
will. And I feel perfectly sure that the rebels will not fight us, but will, 
on the contrary, fall back before us. I have predicted this from the 
moment I came here, and became well acquainted with our situation. And, 
though the enemy has several times threatened an attack upon our lines, so 
that even Rosecrans firmly believed that we were about to be attacked 
right away, yet my confidence on that point has never, for one moment, 
wavered. And you see, my darling, I was right. My reason for this 
belief has been, that we have a better and a larger Army than they, that 
we want a battle — therefore, they canH desire it. It would be very bad 
policy in them to fight us. They can worry, and disappoint our object 
much more by leading us on, and on, making it more difficult for us to 
supply our Army, and compelling us at length to stop dead short, from 
sheer inability to wagon, over bad roads, to such a distance, the immense 
quantity of supplies needed for so large an Army. 

" To-day, I received a note from Madame d"Ouville, to the effect, that 
having heard of my visit the other evening, she sent me her excuses; be- 
cause, just as I had supposed, she had not, through fear, received me ; and 
begging of me to renew my call, as she had a very great desire to receive 
news of your family. 

" You do not know, my darling, how much it costs me to be deprived of 
all the pleasure I had promised myself in seeing my little flower, my dear 
baby, my Adfele expand. I do so like my babies when at her age — and 
they, too, have always loved me. I love just as dearly my other children, 
but with them a few months or even a year effects but little change — but 
in the case of my Adfele, it will make a very great difference. It is a real 
privation for me. To supply as far as possible for my absence, you must 
frequently speak to me of her, relate to me all her pretty little tricks. 
Thus I shall seem to see her, and I shall enjoy, in a measure, her presence. 

" You speak to me of Octavie's joy over the receipt of my letter, had not 
Marie also received hers? For, I wrote two letters to Mai-ie, two to Tavie, 
and one to Louis. I fear that I will no longer be able to write often to 
you. And, moreover, as we break off here with the Mail, I expect my 
letters will meet with great delays and that for want of my letters you 
may become anxious. This worries me, but try, my darling, not to be un- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 429 

easy, you will know that good reasons exist to prevent the regular receipt 

of tidings from me. 

" Good-bye, my sweet wife, hug for me our sweet little pets. Give many 

kind messages to all our friends — not forgetting me to Lizzie and Mary, 

and believe always, sweetest, in the sincere affection of 

"Your Julio," 

Mariquitta to Julius. 

I 
" Washington, December 18, 1862. 

" My own sweet, darling husband, 

" I received last evening your letter of the 10th ; and, as you see, it took 
a long time in coming. I needed it, because it was so affectionate and, at 
the same time, breathed such an air of satisfaction, that it endowed me 
with a little courage and resignation. These two sentiments are now in 
as little quantity in my heart as money is in the Treasury. That great 
battle which you are looking for, it seems, with pleasure and impatience, 
I, for my part, dread in a manner I cannot describe. All my ambition 
has deserted me, and I hope that Jeff Davis will prudently retire without 
giving you the chance to measure yourself with him. 

" Father Lynch and Father Maguire charged me to give you a thousand 
kindly remembrances. Father Maguire does not look well and seems very 
feeble. 

" Your baby is becoming more and more sweet. She is gaining in flesh 
and strength, eats like a little wolf, and endeavors to walk. She is never 
so happy as when I allow her to arrange and disarrange the table linen in 
the washstand. 

" The children are looking forward to Christmas very impatiently, and 
count a gi-eat deal upon Santa Glaus. I fear, however, they will be disap- 
pointed and think him very stingy ; but I wish them to feel an influence 
on a Christmas that lacks your presence. * * * * 

" Our children are all enjoying good health. I am delighted with the 
progress Tavie is making in music. Louis spends all the time that be is 
in the house in Avriting to you, but he is always as bad as can be. 

" Adieu, my own darling, we all unite in embracing you with all the 
affection of our hearts. 

" Your Mariquitta. 

" I like to believe in your presentiments, my beloved, and I have a little 
bit of confidence in them, but not as much as you appear to have." 

Julius to Mariquitta. 

" Nashville, Christmas day, 1862. 
'* My darling, 

" I have had the happiness of receiving the most delightful of Christmas 

gifts, in the shape of letters from yourself and my dear little Marie. They 

gave me so much pleasure and made me enjoy my Christmas as, perhaps, 

without them I would not have done. 



430 BIOGRAPHV OF 

" As you may see, we have not, after all, started ; and I am not sorry 
for it, though at first I felt a great disappointment. But one of the Wings 
of our Army lacked corn for its horses and mules, and Rosecrans was glad 
of the excuse, so as not to advance on the enemy upon the anniversary of 
the birth of Ilini who came to die for all of us. He felt a scruple on this 
subject, and last evening avowing it to me, asked my opinion. As for 
myself, when the order was issued the other day, I experienced a regret, 
that we were obliged upon such a day and on such a solemnity to start in 
search of the enom}^ But since all our arrangements were complete, I 
was, I confess, somewhat disappointed in seeing the order countermanded, 
and, though I said nothing, Rosecrans read what were my thoughts. But 
now, I am glad of it. It does not please me to see the Festivals of God 
desecrated by military movements. 

" I had the happiness of assisting at a real Midnight Mass, offered up in 
m}' room, by our Chaplain, Father Trecy. And I had the still greater 
happiness of approaching the IIol}'' Table, I myself serving at the Mass. 

" I dined to-day at the Bishop's with one of our Generals, Stanley.* who 
has recently become a Catholic: and he told me that in a great measure, 
if not entirely, he owed his conversion to the sermons of Frederick and of 
Father Ryan.f 

"If you have the time, darling. I wish that you would make for me a 
'housewife,' % like the one I formerly owned. On top, places where can 
be kept skeins of thread, and below, two pockets for needles, buttons, &c. 
And I wish further, that you would buy me some shirt buttons, similar to 
those you placed on my new shirts. 

''Do not be uneasy on my account, darling, for I can tell you that we 
have just learned tliat Bragg has been forced to detach a portion of his 
Ai'my to Mississippi : and, at this moment, one half of his cavalry is de- 
tailed to other points, so that there is no chance that he dare await us. 
All of our principal officers have finished by sharing my opinion, that we 
Avill have no battle. 

'* I would so like to see my sweet little Adfele. Dear little baby, how 
sweet she must be I the dear little frolicsome thing! I see her, through 

* General D. S. Stanley, who commanded the Cavalry of Rosecrans' 
Armj'. 

t Father Ryan, a distinguished preacher in St. Louis and pastor of the 
Annunciation Church; afterwards Bishop and Coadjutor to Archbishop 
Kenriok of St. Louis and recently appointed Archbishop of Philadelphia. 
He and Father Fred, Julius' brother, were considered the two ablest 
preachers in St. Louis. 

J Julius was quite expert with the needle and therefore not dependent, as 
most men are, on his wife for all bis sewing. His Army life had taught him 
the necessity of this accomplishment before his marriage, and since, with 
his great disinterested love for her, he had always tried to save Mariquitta's 
eyes and hands as much as possible. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHB. 431 

your desci'iption, one moment upsetting in disorder all your linen — then 
in a rage, fighting every one who approaches her — little pepper-pod that 
she is. I love to think that my dear little boy has not forgotten me, that he 
spends all his time in writing to mc. You aiTord me also so much pleasure, 
when you announce that my little Tavie makes such progress in her Music. 
For the poor cliild has such a passion to become a musician that, since she 
cannot sing, it is a-great satisfaction to me to know she can, at least, be- 
come a good pianist. My little Marie wrote me a charming little letter, 
which gave me real pleasure, and which I shall try soon to answer. 

" To-day, I received such a friendly letter from my friend. Father Wal- 
ter. Inasmuch as I have not the leisure to reply to it, you will please 
excuse me to him, my darling, and tell him that I dearly love him. 

"But, my sweet, you are the person whom of all the world I love the 
most dearly. You dear old wife, I love you better than ever I did — and 
yet, do you know, that I am very happy here ! 

" Dec. 27fh. — At last, my pet, we have started, having left Nashville 
yesterday about 11 o'clock. The whole Army began its movement about 
daybreak, and advanced about sixteen miles, forcing back the enemy with 
skirmishes. With the loss of 6 or 7 men we captured a cannon. Skir- 
mishing all the time, the enemy continues to retreat. We hear the roar 
of cannon and the rattle of musketry, to the right and to the left, a few 
miles ahead of our IIcad-Quarters. But we only hear it — that's all. 
There will be no general battle. And even should there be, you may feel 
at peace in my regard ; for, we see none of the fighting. It does not seem 
any nearer to us, nor the cannonade any louder, than Bull Run to Wash- 
ington. I was very happy all day yesterday — though we had a terrific 
ride of over 40 miles, most of it in the dark, over rocks and stones, losing 
our way and not knowing where we were, and not getting back to camp 
until near 2 o'clock in the morning. Strange to say, that though every- 
body else was tired out, some completely used up, I was not in the least 
tired, and enjoyed it as much as a boy let loose from school. I am getting 
fat and strong, and love you, darling, with all my heart. Kiss our dar- 
lings all, for me. Kind regards to all our friends, and to Lizzie and Mary. 

" Your own dear 

"Jdmo." 

When the command left Nashville, despite his bashfulness, 
Julius made quite a happy and effective speech for the occasion, 
to the assembled Officers at Head Quarters. 

Julius to Mariqiiitta. 

" Camp on the Road to Murfreesboro, 

" December 27, 1862. 
" Darling, 

"I have just sent off a letter to you, but as I have a little leisure, I'll 

begin another. Tlie cannonading has all stopped at this moment, and I 



432 BIOGRAPHY OF 

expect the enemy will get out of our way as fast as he can. Rosecrans 
seems perfectly astonished this morning to see bow I stood our ride * last 
night. Every now and then he looks at me and laughs, evidently amused 
to think that I, who have been tied to a desk for the last seven years, stood 
it better than all these old Campaigners. Nor is this all. During two 
nights I have scarcely had any sleep — Christmas-eve having gone to bed 
at 4 o'clock in the morning — Christmas-night at two o'clock, and last 
night I did not close my eyes. And yet, I feel perfectly well. So far 
from being fatigued, it seems to me that I had no more exercise than was 
necessary every day for my health. But really you can form to yourself 
no idea of the route we followed last night. It led over shelves of rock, 
on which the horses almost every instant slipped. I was anxious about 
mine, lest I should never bring him back to camp. Many horses and 
riders fell — but, thanks to God, my good animal came out of it without an 
accident, and I am to-day more attached to him than ever. It was so dark 
at times, that I could not see, and blindly followed the others by the sound 
of their horses' hoofs. Our whole party were scattered, some going in one 
direction, some in another. But, at last, we all arrived home. 

" The fact is, it was through a mistake of Roseci*ans, that we had this 
disagreeable jaunt. And, accordingly, every time he would again lose his 
way, he would rage. As for myself, I said nothing, but I confess that I 
took a malicious pleasure in seeing all of these tine gentlemen so discom- 
fited, while I whom they pitied, because I was a novice, suffered less than 
any of them. But, to-day, they gave me their compliments. 

" But now, darling, do not on this account grow uneasy about me, for 
such incidents are of very rare occurrence. 

" I am delighted to see how I gain in strength and health. I really 
enjoy this kind of life. And it is well for my children that I am here. All 
this immense Army knows me so well, that my poor name — so habitually 
martyrized, is here always correctly spelled. 

" 7 P. M., Monday, December 29. — Doubtless, my darling, you have been 
several days without the receipt of any letters from me. It is due to the 
interruption of our communications with Louisville. We are at this mo- 
ment about ten miles from Miirfreesboro. Our Army is drawn up in line 
of battle about three miles from the town, and it is said that the enemy 
facing us are stretched along the other side of a little stream. Gen. Rose- 
crans thinks it is only their advance-guard, and that the body of their 
Army has continued its retreat. For three days we have pursued them, 
and everywhere they have fought us in retreat, constantly skirmishing, 
but without awaiting a serious struggle. During all these three days I 
have heard the boom of the cannon and the roll of the musketry, but thus 



* Julius was not only an accomplished rider, due to his West Point train- 
ing, but he was also a most graceful one and sat his steed every inch the 
pretix chevalier of the olden time. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 433 

far I have seen none of the enemy. Only once did we go to the Front, and 
even then I did not see one of them, as they were hidden behind trees. 

" My health is most excellent, and every one observes how much better 
is my appearance. My method of life for these last three days, always in 
the saddle, agrees with me even better than that at Nashville. 

" My sweet one, I too have been for several days without letters from 
you, and for the same reason. I will doubtless receive them day after to- 
mori'ow. As I know the reason, I am not uneasy, but it pains me, my 
darling, to think of the anxiety you must feel. 

" If we should have a battle, it would be to-morrow that it would occur, 
but I do not believe that they will give it to us. However, to-morrow 
will be their last chance: if there is no battle to-morrow, then there will 
be none at all. I will keep my letter open, so f>s to tell you to-morrow 
evening how matters have gone. Till then, my sweetest, good night. I 
give you a tender kiss." 

Julius was not permitted to finish this letter, to tell his daiv 
ling little Mariquitta how matters had gone, — not even was it 
signed, — for when ''to-morrow evening" came, his multiplied 
duties prevented, and no other chance ever occurred, and this, 
his last letter to her, — even his last private letter to any one, — 
was found among his effects and forwarded to her, just as it was, 
— unsigned, — unsealed. Neither was he to have the pleasure of 
ever again hearing from her, for before her next letter came he 
lay cold in death, his spirit had gone to join its Maker, there to 
love her still, but with a Heavenly love. 

The night before he fell he remained up till late, or rather till 
the early part of the following morn, closely engaged with Gen- 
eral Rosecrans and several Officers of the Staff in arranging the 
duties necessary to be performed on that day of the Battle — 
always at the elbow of his Chief and faithful as his shadow, until 
Death called him away — and when his labors were finished, and 
he had retired to his tent, he was heard even at 2 a.m., praying, 
proving how true he was to his duty, his country, and his God. 



28 



434 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XLI. 

Julius' assignment ptr S. O. of the A. G. O. — his Inst Order — his military 
historj' with the Army of the Cumberland and description of his death 
in the words of Capt. Wm. D. Bickham and Gen. Kosecrans, and the latter's 
additional statements — Poem regarding Julius and Eosecrans receiving 
Communion together on the fateful day — continuation of Julius' military' 
history and description of his death and disinterring of his body in the 
words of Col. C. Goddard, Major Frank S. Bond, Orderly Robert Magee, 
a wounded Confederate, and Major J. Ealston Skinner. 

Ix Special Orders, No. 422, of the Adjutant General's Office, 
"War Department, dated Dec. 31, 1862, Paragraph 22, among 
the assignments mentioned of Officers of the Adjt. Genl's. Corps 
to the Staffs of Army Corps, by order of the President, occurs 
the following : " Lieutenant Colonel J. P. Garesche, Assistant 
Adjutant General, is assigned to the 14th Army Corps, his rank 
being fixed by his position in the Regular Army." 

I insert herewith two of the Orders written by Julius. As 
his were considered by competent critics as unexcelled in mili- 
tary literature, I venture to give these two as specimens. 

" Head-Quarters 14th Army Corps, 

"Department of the Cumberlaxd, 

'' Nashville, Texx., Dec. 4th, 1S62. 
"GENERAL ORDERS, •) 
"No. 31. I 

" The General Commanding has received several applications from Ken- 
tuckians, who have abandoned the rebel armies, for permission to return 
to their homes: and he is informed that large numbers of others would 
make the same request of him, did they dare hope for a favorable reply. 
Under these circumstances the General feels called upon to define his views 
with relation to all this class of men, and to say what he is prepared to do 
in such cases. 

'' This war is waged for the preservation of the Union of our fathers. 
To preserve that Union, the rebellious States must be coerced into submis- 
sion. This is the one great end we have in view — and this end must and 
shall be attained. "Without passion, from a sense of dut\-, trusting in the 
God, who abhors pride and all injustice, we march onward to that end. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 435 

" That the people of the South have been deluded by ambitious dema- 
gogues, deceived by lyiug misrepresentations, carried away, some by natural 
sympathies, others by an irresistible current of circumstances — that many 
have even h^en forced into a participation in the rebellion — vi^e well know. 
"We both know and deplore the cruel necessities of the situation made for 
them by their rulers. We abhor the grinding despotism, whicli has de- 
voured their substance, depopulated their valleys, converted peaceful neigh- 
borhoods into haunts of banditti-, and substituted a reign of oppression and 
terror for the mild government under which, but two short years ago, they 
were so happily living. We pity them — we have pitied them, even while 
duty compelled us to unsheath the sword against them; and though, so 
long as they confront us in ai'ms, our swords shall never be returned to 
their scabbards, we yet will gladly hail the day when this desolating and 
unnatural war shall cease. 

" For this reason, the General Commanding is disposed to hold out every 
encouragement to these misguided men to lay down their arms, abandon 
the desperate cause in which they are embarked, return to their homes 
and families, and resume once more the tranquil occupations of peace. 

"All that will be exacted of those, who will lionesthj do so, will be to 
take the non-combatant's parole, and give proper security that they will 
keep it. So long as they faithfully observe this parole, obey the laws, and 
deport themselves as peaceable citizens, they shall not be molested by any 
officer or soldier belonging to this army. 

" But if, false to their pledges and ungrateful for the generosity shown 
them, they are found conveying information to the enemy, trafficking with 
him, aiding him w'ith supplies or money, or in any other way violating the 
spirit of their engagements, they will be summarily dealt with, as spies or 
perjured traitoi's, with the utmost rigor allowed by the laws of war. 

" By command of Major General Rosecrans. 

"Julius P. Gareschi^, 
" Ass't. Adj't. Gen'l. and Chief of Staflf. 



" Official 



"A. A. G." 



^'IIeadquarteks Department op the Cumberland, 



UMBERLAND, \ 

r 31, 1862. i 



"In Front of Murfreesboro, December 

"ORDERS. 
" The General Commanding desires to say to the soldiers of the Army 
of the Cumberland, that he was well pleased with their conduct yesterday. 
It was all that he could have washed for. He neither saw nor heard of 
any skulking. They behaved with the coolness and gallantry of veterans. 
He now feels perfectly confident, with God's grace and their help, of strik- 
ing this day a blow for the country the most crushing, perhaps, which the 
rebellion has yet sustained. Soldiers ! the eyes of the whole nation are 
upon you ; the very fate of the nation may be said to hang on the issues 



43G ■ BIOGRAPHY OF 

of this da3''s battle. Be true, then, to yourselves, true to your own manly 
clinracter and soldierly reputation ; true to the love of your dear ones at 
home, whose prayers ascend this day to God for your success. Be cool. 
I need not ask you to be bravo. Keep ranks. Do not throw away your 
fire. Fire slowly, deliberately — above all, fire low, and be always sure of 
your aim. Close readily in upon the enemy, and when you get within 
chargino; distance, rush upon him with the bayonet. Do this, and victory 
will certainly be your's. llecollcct that there are hardly any troops in tlie 
Avoild tiiat will stand a bayonet charge, and that those who make it, 
therefore, are sure to win. 

" By command of Major General Rosecrans. 

"J. P. Garesch^, a. a. G., and Chief of Staff.*' 

The latter Order was the last one Julius ever wrote. 

I will give his military history with the Army of the Cum- 
berland and description of his death in the words of his com- 
rades in arms. 

Cai)t. Wm. D. Bickham (Correspondent of the Cincinnati 
Commercial and Volunteer A. D. C, to Gen. Rosecrans) ob- 
serves in his Annals of "Rosecrans' Campaign with the 14th 
Army Corps or Army of the Cumberland" : — ■ 

"The gallant and accomplished Lieutenant Colonel Garesch6 reported 
for duty on the 13th of November, and at once assumed position as Chief 
of Staff. lie was a man of remarkable character, distinguished for the 
delicacy and strength of his intellect, his moral purity, his refined and ex- 
quisitely cultured manners, and his systematic business habits and capacity. 
Such qualities, with disinterestedness and entire absence of ostentation en- 
deared him to all with whom he was associated. He proved a treasure to 
the Commanding General, who had long esteemed and admired him. There 
was hardly a more polislied and universally respected officor in the regular 
service. He was devoted to his profession, and his military judgment 
carried conviction whenever his advice was sought. And that which his 
countrymen admired most in him was his pure and exalted patriotism. It 
is now known that he joined the Fourteenth Army Corps with tlie pre- 
sentiment firmly fixed in his mind that he would fall in his first battle. 
He carried the same system Avhich had characterized his department in 
AVashington into the Department of the Cumberland, and he relieved the 
General Commanding of vast labor which otherwise would have oppressed 
him. Tiic General Orders of which he was the author, were remarkable 
for their clearness and precision. As specimens of military literature they 
■were unsurpassed. Until the instant of his fall upon the battle-field he 
was the constant and cherished personal friend and adviser of his Gen- 
eral. * * * * 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 437 

"Christinas night there was an asseniblago of commanders at head- 
quarters. * * * * 

" There was a swift interchange of thought and Generals Rosecrans and 
Thomas drew aside. The bed of the Chief (Rosecrans) occupied the space 
between two doors. The right hand door communicated with the military 
telegraph office. Between the bed and the front window near it was a 
narrow space. The topographical maps were tacked to the door and 
spread upon the bed. The Aides' table set under the window-sill. The 
Chief sometimes used a corner of it, and sometimes a corner of Garesche's 
table, which was under the other front window, near the grate. When 
tlie Cliief consulted the 'true and prudent,' the latter sidled and backed 
into the niche between the two tables, and his Commander seated liimself 
directly in his front, looking into his eyes. General Thomas backed in 
there now. The Chief was balanced upon the edge of a chair, leaning 
over vis-d,-vis, almost in the embrace of Tiiomas. The conversation was 
animated, almost vehement, the consulted listening profoundly, the con- 
suiter talking rapidly and vehemently, with blazing eyes, the former 
nodding now and then, perhaps dropping a curt suggestion. 

"The others were chatting a little common-place colloquy, or looking 
into the grate watching the cedar sticks curl into flame. Garesche, his 
head bowed over the corner of the table, which seemed part of him, uytil 
his broad, clear brow almost touched the tip of his pen — for he was near- 
sighted — was flinging off" sheets of manuscript in his wonderful way — 
orders, correspondence, instructions — suspending now and then to respond 
pleasantly to some interpolated query. You supposed he was always sit- 
ting at that corner of his table — and indeed* he was, from ten o'clock of 
morning till long after midnight, when not racing through a fresh news- 
paper, with a sort of impatience which indicated a jealousy that it was 
robbing him of precious time. His faculty for disposing of business was 
marvelous. He never exhibited impatience or irritability, but was ever 
ready to oblige, and to respond to all questions with charming courtesy. 
On occasion he took cheerful part in conversation, displaying the charms 
of a richly cultivated intellect, and enjoying/ace^/ce with as keen relish as 
the most mercurial." 

Further on, he says : — 

" The General Commanding (Rosecrans) rose early, as usual, on vSunday 
morning, December 2Sth, and devoted an hour to religious exercises, Rev, 
Father Ti'ecy officiating at Mass. Garesche, and a few soldiers of the 
Tenth Ohio Volunteers, knelt at the same altar, * * * * " 

Speaking of the early morning of Tuesday, December 30th, 
the day before the great Battle, he says, of the officers of the 
Staff who were clustered around the camp fire, trying to get a 
little warmth from its roaring flames : — 



438 BIOORAPHY OF 

"Garosch6 was sitting alone, aside, at tlie foot of one of the trees, lean- 
ing against it. In his hands, partially concealed by the flowing folds of 
his overcoat, there was a little book — a Misaal — 'De Iinitalione Christi.^ 
Ho carried it in his pocket habitually. A few had observed his custom. 
Yet ho was as stealthy as a woman with a sweet missive from a lover. 
Had he dreamed that he appeared in the least ostentatious, he would have 
blushed to his temples. He bowed meekly over his book ; his lips uttered 
inaudibly : the index finger of his right hand described the imaginary 
cross with which men of his faith symbolize their faith. He was no more 
conscious that he was observed by mortal man than a little child is capa- 
ble of crime. He communed upon the battle-field with God. The witness 
shuddered with indescribable emotion. Gtxresche felt that he was a doomed 
man. On the morrow the comrade who shuddered, shuddered the more 
when the scene premonished under that tree became a horrible real- 
ity." * * * * 

"Morning of the last day of the old year dawned brightly. A thin 
mist floated along the channel of Stone River, but otherwise the horizon 
was clear. A little later High Mass was celebrated in a little tent oppo- 
site tlio General's marquee. Rev. Father Cooney, the zealous Chaplain of 
the Thirty-Fifth regiment of Indiana Volunteers, ofiiciatcd, assisted by 
Rer. Father Trecy, the constant spiritual companion of the General, and 
whose fidelity to his Chief was second only to his devotion to the faith he' 
preached. General Rosecrans knelt humbly iit the corner of his tent, 
Garesche, no less devout, by his side ; a trio of humble soldiers meekly 
knelt in front of the tent ; groups of oflicers, booted and spurred for battle, 
with heads reverentially uncovered, stood outside and mutely muttered 
their pra^^ers. What grave anxieties, what exquisite emotions, what deep 
thoughts moved the hearts and minds of those pious soldiers, into whose 
keeping God and their country had delivered, not merely the lives of 
thousands of men who must die at last, but the vitality of a principle — 
the cause of self-government and of human liberty ! * * * *"' 

Again, speaking of the fearfully dangerous ride of the Gen- 
eral and hi.s Staff on the morning of that day personally to save 
his Right Wing when it was suffering disaster : — 

" Tlie General and Staff* again became a conspicuous target. A flight 
of Minie balls slitted through the troop. One of them struck Garesch^'s 
gay black in the nose. The spirited animal flung his head scornfully at 
the sting, scattering blood upon his rider. 'Ah, hit! Garesche ?' quoth 
the General — his mind for the first instant, and only that instant, relieved 
from its painful tension. 'My horse,' was the laconic response, and tiie 
gallant rider, whose proud deitortment had excited the admiration of the 
army, spurred onward at the side of his Ohiefi * * * *" 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 439 

Then of the charge which Julius and Rosecrans led iu per- 
son : — 

" The fiery valor of Garesche, in that dread carnival, would have in- 
spired a coward with courage. Gay as a youth of twenty, with hat jauntily 
cocked on liis fine head, he seemed, upon his lithe and spirited black steed, 
a perfect transformation. Usually grave and saturnine, with an habitual 
calmness almost provoking, he looked in the fury of the fray as if his soul 
had broken into a new stream of existence. When he dashed into the 
charge, his sword flew from the scabbard and glittered in the sunlight. 
When the enemy fled over the hill, he glanced at them with a smile of 
triumph, and rammed his blade back into its scabbard with a force that 
made the steel ring again. Yesterday some had felt a thrill of anxiety for 
him. He deported himself like one who had premonition of sudden 
death. Always deeply pious, conscientious in attention to religious duties, 
prayerful, there was something peculiarly striking in the absorbing atten- 
tion with which he poured himself into his little prayer-book, as he sat in 
a quiet fence corner on Tuesday, awaiting the culmination of martial 
events. All this day of battle, through a hundred death currents, he had 
swept gaily over the field. But his General's charge was his climax. 
Alas, an hour or two more of life, and he was a victim for the little grave- 
yard upon which he had slept but the night before. Always by his Gen- 
eral's side in life, Death struck \\\n\ there at last. * * * *" 

And a little later, — 

" During this furious encounter. Colonel GareschS accompanied by Lieu- 
tenant Byron Kirby, Aide to General Rosecrans, galloped through a with- 
ering fire to carry an order to General Van Cleve, who, though wounded, 
was i-esisting a renewed attack. While riding across the field, there 
occurred one of those chivalric episodes which are sometimes celebrated 
in romance. A ball disabled Garesche's horse. Kirby dismounted, and 
insisted that Garesche should mount his. Mutually forgetful of the storm 
of battle, they disputed a point of controversy. Kirby finally prevailed on 
the score of duty, and walked back over the field until he found the stafi"." 

Again, — 

" In the midst of the horrid carnival, the General himself galloped to 
the left of the railroad to reinforce a struggling line by the moral power 
of his own splendid example. Garesch6, who had never left him since 
they had mounted in the morning, save to execute orders, was at his side. 
They were galloping through a tumult of iron missiles. An unexploded 
shell whizzed close by his leader, and the head of Garesche vanished with 
it. Sickening gouts of his brains were spattered upon his comrades, who 
turned in horror from the ghastly spectacle. The mutilated form of the 



440 BIOGRAPHY OF 

hero careened gently over the saddle, and fell upon the field. The little 
prayer-book was in his pocket." 

Gen. Rosecrans remarks : — 

"Julius P. Garesclie distinguislied his Cadet-student life by an open 
profession and exemplary practice of tiie duties of lleligion. It w.as a 
current report that he wa-s the only Catholic Cadet in those days, to whom 
was accorded two or three days Leave to go to his Easter duties. 

"When he became Chief of Stafi' of the Army of the Cumberland, 
reporting for duty at Nashville in November 1862, it happened that the 
Rev. Father Trecy, whose station had been along the line of the Memphis 
and Charleston Railroad, was with us, by consent of his Bishop, until 
circumstances would permit his return to his Mission. This clergyman 
accompanied us, when on the 2Gth of December we began our advance on 
Murfreesboro, Tenn., and on Sunday, the 28th, celebrated Mass at the 
General Head Quarters at Stewart's Creek, at which both Garesch6 and 
myself received Communion. Monday, the 29th, brought the Armies into 
contact, and on Tuesday, the 30th, the Battle began, amid cold rain and 
wind. In the evening, all the plans for the final struggle having been 
arranged and orders dispatched. Father Trecy was called and requested to 
offer the Holy Sacrifice at daybreak the next morning, and allow Garesche 
and myself to receive Communion. It Avas accordingly done in a tent at 
the Head Quarters, just after daybreak on the morning of the 31st, only a 
few Catholic orderlies being aware, so far as we knew, of what was trans- 
piring. The silence and stillness soon gave way to the beginning of the 
conflict. I never saw Garesche look so bright and animated as he appeai-ed 
during all that morning. 

" Som'e of his companions of the Staff noticed him, occasionally, take 
out of his pocket a small book, from which he read a little. I was too 
busy to see this. He was with me everywhere on the Field amid the 
storm of the Battle. When Van Cleve's Division was ordered in to stem 
the tide of the enemy oh our left, he drew his sword, and waving it in the 
air, shouted ' Forward !' to the line. I thought I never saw him look half 
so handsome or animated. 

" Thence going to Sheridan's Division on the left and giving orders, we 
started back towards the centre, Garesch6 riding touching my left knee, 
when a round shot struck the back of his head behind the right ear, a 
cloud of blood flew into the air, and his body fell at our horses' feet. He 
probably felt not a single pain. 

" I learned from his brother Alexander, that he was supernaturally 
warned that he would die in the first battle in which he should be engaged. 

" AVhat others cannot so well know I can tell. No Officer of my Com- 
mand ever seemed to command the sympathy and respect of the Generals 
of that Ai-my so thoroughly as in six short weeks did that silent, dutiful, 
laborious and gallant Officer and Christian gentleman, — Colonel Julius P. 
Garesche.'^ 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 441 

A hard worker and not sparing himself, General Rosecrans 
expected those around him to be the same. Consequently, his 
Staif in the evenings were pretty well fagged out, and when 
permitted to retire to rest, their slumbers were deep and pro- 
found. Sleeping but little himself, his mind being so engrossed 
with what was transpiring, it sometimes happened that he wished 
to consult his Chief of Staff upon some important question re- 
quiring accurate, complete and most intelligent information. On 
such occasions he had only to tap Julius on the shoulder, and no 
matter how soundly asleep the latter was, he awakened immedi- 
ately, and in a moment, without hesitation and seemingly with- 
out reflection, answered the query concisely, accurately, and to 
the point. As Rosecrans afterwards remarked, such instances 
proved what a wonderful control Julius must have possessed 
over his mind, to gather all its facult ^s together so quickly, the 
very moment he awakened from slum *er. 

In his Official telegram to General Jtlalleck, General-in-Chief, 
from the bloody field of Murfreesboro, after communicating the 
details of the Battle, General Rosecrans says : 

"We have to deplore the loss of Lieutenant Colonel Garesch^, whose 
capacity and gentlemanly deportment had already endeared him to all the 
officers of this command, and whose gallantry on the field of battle excited 
their admiration." 

In a private letter he wrote at the time, he pays the following 
tribute to the devotedness of his fallen Chief of Staff, concluding 
with his firm belief that Garesche offered up his own life for the 
preservation and success of their troops. It was when the day 
was turning against their arms, and all seemed lost. Then it 
was that Garesche asked his permission to retire, and was seen 
to go aside to some bushes near by and there kneel as if in earn- 
est prayer. Those who saw him thus engaged firmly believed, 
as did Rosecrans, that, at that moment, in his Christian self- 
denial and heroism, he made an offering of his own life to our 
Divine Redeemer for the preservation and victory of his troops. 
Soon after this he met his death. 

" Colonel Garesche was killed by my side. A cannon ball passed 
directly behind my head and struck him, leaving only his under jaw. We 



442 BIOGRAPHY OF 

both received Coiiiniunion that mornin2:, ami shortly before he was killed 
he asked my permission to retire for a few moments. I now suspect that 
he went aside to offer his life to God for our success. I hope he went 
straight to Heaven, our blessed country !" 

A lady of Yonkers, N. Y., in January 1863, wrote the accom- 
panying little Poem, beautiful in its simplicity and touching in 
its pathos, on the subject of Julius and Rosecrans receiving Holy 
.Communion together on the morning of the Battle, December 

31st. 

" The Loader and his Aide bent low ; 
Tlie Altar-lights were all a-glow 
And Consecrated hands upbore 
The Blessed Sacrament once more, 
The Truth, the Life, the Hope, tlie Way 
To Rosecrans, and Garesche. 

" Small marvel that their eyes were bright 
"With an unconquerable light. 
For Jesus Christ had deigned to rest 
A brief space in each noble breast. 
And lie, the Lord of Hosts, that day 
Blest Rosecrans, and Garesche. 

" So dauntless rode they forth to meet 
The sickening turmoil of retreat, 
The rout of veterans true and brave, 
They breast that awful battle wave, 
And rise above the crimson spray. 
Brave Rosecrans, and Garesche. 

"Where thickest rained the shot and shell, 
Where fiercest rang the battle-yell, 
Tliere, like a stream of golden light. 
Amid the darkness of the fight. 
Serene through all that fearful fray 
Sped Rosecrans, and Garesche. 

" They turn the tide of battle back ; 
They hurl destruction on the track 
Of the fell traitor horde who bui'st 
Exultant from the deadly buret. 
God saved our native land that day 
Through Rosecrans, and Garesche. 

" At eve the Leader knelt alone, 
But not to utter Aiithless moan — 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 443 

He inew the Lord of Hosts had given 
One Crown for Earth, and one for Heaven — 
For Rosecrans, the Hero's bay ; 
The Aureole, for Garesche." 

Colonel C. Goddard, Senior Aide-de-Camp and Acting Assist- 
ant Adjutant General to General Rosecrans at Murfreesboro, 
Tenn., says : — 

" The rapid movement of the Army under command of General Buell 
from the line of the Cumberland river to Louisville to intercept the north- 
ward movement of the rebel forces under Bragg, had naturally resulted in 
considerable disorganization, and great disorganization in every depart- 
ment of the servi,ce. The railway south of Bowling Green had been intei'- 
rupted by the destruction of bridges, blowing up of tunnels, etc. Bragg's 
Army had retreated south of the Cumberland river, and great anxiety was 
felt for the safety of Nashville, which had been left with a comparatively 
small garrison under General Negley. The War Department was urging 
General Rosecrans to move his Army to the line of the Cumberland with 
the greatest possible dispatch, and with all these matters pressing upon him, 
he needed the most efficient and untiring assistance in the work committed 
to his charge, and welcomed the arrival of Colonel Garesche as one upon 
whom he could devolve much of the detail of these important matters. 

" Colonel Garesche devoted himself with untiring zeal to the duties of 
his position, and was able at once to render most efficient service in per- 
fecting and caiTying out the plans for the advance, which were already in 
progress : and though, during those days, the natural divisions of time 
into day and night were lost sight of and eighteen hours was considered 
but a fair day's work, no one ever saw Colonel Gai-esche's equanimity dis- 
turbed. Kind and courteous by nature, he was never otherwise under the 
most trying circumstances, and won the esteem and good will of all with 
whom he came in contact. 

" The period between the re-occupation of Nashville and the advance on 
Murfreesboro, was one of great anxieties' and unremitting labor; for, in 
addition to the work of reorganization and re-equipment of the Army, the 
loyal citizens of Nashville and vicinity justly felt that their sufferings in 
the Cause entitled them to the personal sympathy of those in authority, 
and found it hard to realize that time devoted to them was at the cost of 
hours of labor, which should have been given to rest. But through all 
this Colonel Garesch6 maintained his character for patience and courtesy, 
and took upon himself much that would otherwise have been a burden to 
the General Commanding, who was even then heavily weighted. 

" We all hailed the final advance from Nashville as a relief, not because 
it meant cessation from labor, but because it substituted in some degree 
activity of body for the constant mental strain of the previous weeks. 



444 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" ^liirehino; orders were issiioil on Cliristiuas day ; the movement com- 
menced early the next morninf;, and the (leneral and Staff left Nashville 
the same day. Tlie movements which sncceeded are a part of the history 
of the war and need not be recounted here, except so far as they bear 
upon the doatli of Col. (Jaresch6, which occurred on the last day of the 
year, during the first day's jiitchcd battle. 

" Early in the morning of the 31st of December, the battle openod with 
a sliarp attack upon McCook's Corps, composing our llight Wing, sus- 
tained with such force and supported by so large a portion of the enemy's 
strength, massed on McCook's front during the night, as to force our troops 
from their position and seriously to threaten irretrievable disaster. It was 
at this Crisis that the brilliant qualities of the General Commanding man- 
ifested themselves ; the disaster to our Right not only overthrew all pre- 
arranged plans, but required the greatest promptitude of judgment and 
vigor of action on his part, to turn the tide which seemed setting against 
us. Aides were immediately dispatched in every direction with orders to 
bring up every available reserve to the formation of a new line at right 
angles to that formerly occupied by McCook's Corps — there was no time 
for written orders, every thing was by word of mouth, and in an incon- 
ceivably short space of time the new line was formed, the broken and dis- 
organized troops being allowed to pass to the rear, and the new line stand- 
ing ready to receive the attack of the victorious enemy. 

"I remember well Col. Garesche's appearance as he rode down the front 
of this new line, his sword in one hand, his hat in the other, shouting 
'don't fire till they reach the ridge and then give 'em hell, boys I' — the 
only strong language I ever heard from his lips, but the moment was 
exciting and milder words would have fallen fiat. The result was satis- 
factory', the enemy was chocked, and our lines re-established. 

"It was shortly after this as the General and Staff av ere riding across 
an open field on the loft, that Col. Garesch6 met his death. We had 
crossed this field several times, and each time had drawn the fire of a bat- 
tery on the opposite side of Stone River, but had ridiculed their inaccuracy 
of aim, their shot either flying far above our heads or falling short of the 
mark. Profiting, however, by. practice, four shots from this discharge 
came among us. Riding directly in rear of Col. Garesch6 I saw him fall 
from liis horse and was the first to reach him, but all that could be dune 
was to care for his mortal remains — death must have been instantaneous, 
the shot having completely decapitated him. 

"Of all the scenes of the war, this remains the most vivid. Death, 
sudden and terrible was too common in those days for individual instances 
to be forcibly' impressed upon the mind, but Col. Garesch6 in the short 
time he had been with us had so won the respect and esteem of the whole 
Staff that his loss, in this his first battle, was keenly felt by all. I heard 
it said after his death that he had a presentiment that he would fall in his 
first battle, but he had never spoken of such a feeling to me if he enter- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. QARESCHE. 445 

tainod it; it li;id no apparent effect upon his bearing, which was fearless 
and galhmt throughout." 

Major. Frank S. Bond, Aide-de-Camp to Gen. Rosecrans and 
present at Julius' death, says : — 

"I was attached to General Rosecrans' Staff as Aide-de-Camp, and was 
riding just behind Colonel Garesche at the time he was shot. General 
Rosecrans and Colonel Garescli6 were riding together, then came Major 
Skinner and myself, then the other members of the Staff, and after them 
a few Orderlies and an Escort Company. 

" While riding across a cotton-field, we came within range of two or 
three batteries of Artillery, posted upon an elevation on the opposite side 
of Stone River. The Commanding Officer of the Battery seeing a General 
Officer with Staff within easy range, brought his guns to bear upon us, and 
for a short time we were under a very heavy Artillery fire. 

"Among the guns in the Rattery, were some Rilled Cannon, carrying 
what is known as the ' Ilotchkiss Shell,' having a conical solid head. The 
solid part of one of these Ilotchkiss Shells struck Colonel Garesch6 
squarely on the temple, carrying away all that part of his head above the 
chin. 

" For an instant I did not realize what had occurred, as the body pre- 
served its equilibrium in the saddle while the horse continued in motion at 
rather a fast walk, but it vei"y shortly leaned towards the left, taking the 
horse out of the lino, and then fell from the saddle to the ground. 

" I immediately looked for the Sergeant of Orderlies, whose place was 
on the side of the column near to where I was riding, but he had also been 
shot in the thigh. 

" I then called an Orderly, pointed out the body, and told him to see that 
it was cared for, so that it could be found after the battle, and then rode 
alongside of Gen. Rosecrans and told him what had occurred, — that Colonel 
Garesche was killed. The General was at the time so much engrossed in 
Avatching the movements of the enemy that he was not aware that his Chief 
of Staff had been struck. 

"In the evening, or next day, it was reported that the body had been 
buried on the field, near where he fell, in or near what was reported as a 
private burying ground. 

"A few days afterwards, the body was disinterred. I was present at 
the time, and helped to identify it, by the blanket in which it had been 
wrapped, and by his chin and goatee, the balance of his face having been 
carried away by the shot. The remains were then sent to Nashville. 

"I shall never forget the shock and impression made upon me by his 
death, and the sight of his apparently headless body maintainitig its poise 
in the saddle for a few seconds after he was killed. 

"I knew Colonel Garesche but slightly. I had been presented to him 
by General Rosecrans, two or three days before the advance of our army 



44 G BIOORAPIIY OF 

from Nashville that resulted in the battle of Stone River, but as the army 
was under marching orders, no opportunity was offered for social inter- 
course among the Officers. 

'* I recollect his demeanor as being calm and cool on the morning of the 
battle, and that ho took from his pocket a small religious book, and spent 
a few moments in reading it, while we were dismounted for a few moments, 
quite early on that or the preceding morning. This unusual incident in 
my limited experience among Staff Officers, impressed itself very distinctly 
upon my memory. 

"I think that two or throe bodies were disinterred before we found the 
right one, but when it was found, it was identified beyond all question, 
both by myself and others who were present. 

" Among those with whom Colonel Garesch6 was associated, when I 
knew him, he was esteemed a most brave and gallant Officer, and always 
Oi courteous and pleasant gentleman, and I well know the regard and 
esteem in which he was held by his Commanding Officer, General Rose- 
crans, as well as by all others of his Staff, most of whom had known him 
longer than I. 

" That the fortunes of war should have removed from so responsible 
a position, a soldier so capable and so useful as was Colonel Julius P. 
Garesch6, is one of those mysterious events occasionally occurring, that 
leads one to almost doubt the wisdom of an Over-ruling Providence." 

Julius was dearly loved by the enlisted men, as well as by 
the Officers, and won their soldierly admiration for his gallant 
qualities on his first and last field. 

llobert Magee says : — 

*" I was Mounted Orderly on General Rosecrans' Staff, and was with 
him from the first till the last gun was fii-cd at the battle of Stone River. 

'•Afterword came to him that our Right had boon driven back, and 
after he satisfied himself that the Centre was solid, he with his Staff rode 
to the place of disaster to rally the troops. 

" Colonel Garcschd with his hat in his left hand and sword in right 
called for the men to follow, and I remember very distinctly, as he rode 
on, he said, ' Trust in God, boys!' As he passed, some of the men asked 
me, pointing to him and General Rosecrans, 'Who are those Officers?" 
When I told them, they said, ' By G — d, if General Rosecrans and his Ciiief 
of Staff can go there, we can follow !' 

" Colonel Garesch6 was not long with us until his death, which was 
sadly lamented by the enlisted men on the Staff, as he was always so kind 
and gentle with those he came in contact with." 

E.Ktract from an Account of Stone River's Battle by a corre- 
spondent of the Detroit Free Press : — 

" No man could have exhibited more ucrve and coolness on a field of 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 447 

battle than Rosecrans' Chief of Staff — Garesch6. He rallied broken regi- 
ments, stationed batteries, encouraged the lines, and a dozen times rode 
over ground on which it did not seem as if a fox could have lived. His 
horse was twice hit, his saddle sti'uck by three bullets, his scabbard by 
two more, and a grape-shot whizzed over his shoulder and tore up the 
blue cloth until the padding could be seen. There were several Confeder- 
ates who saw him die. One who served under Chalmers gave me the par- 
ticulars as follows : 

'' 'We had assaulted and been repulsed, and in falling back to cover I 
received a bullet in the calf of my right leg. I fejl flat, but after a minute 
or two, knowing that I should be killed where I was, I crept along over a 
slight ridge to be out of the way of the Federal bullets. The pain was now 
so great that I could go no further, and I had just got my back against a 
small tree when Rosecrans galloped across the edge of the open to my 
right. Our batteries were playing across this spot with a terrible fire, 
and I expected to see the General killed. He was closely followed by 
Garesch6. When in plain view of me and not two hundred feet away 
Garesche's horse jumped aside at something and Garesche lost his right 
stirrup. He had it in a second, and was just straightening up when a shell 
tore thi-ough tlie top of a cedar behind me, passed over my head, and I 
saw it strike the poor fellow as plainly as I see you. There was a sort of 
puff when it struck, but it did not explode until far beyond. Garesche's 
arms went up, his sword fell, and after reeling to and fro in the saddle the 
body fell to the ground.' " 

Major J. Ralston Skinner, Judge Advocate on Gen. Rose- 
crans' "Staif, thus observes : — 

" I think Colonel Garesche joined the Staff, after I did, in November, 
18C2. His coming was a matter of much importance to myself, owing to 
my inexperience in the duties of my Office, as Judge Advocate of the De- 
partment. In his position it was very easy to make my place burdensome 
to me, or to render me that help and kind advice which would not only 
assist but give me the benefit of his mature experience, for he Avas looked 
on as one of the most competent Officers in the Army. 

" From the very first I was indebted to him for his great kindness and 
ever ready help ; and this I always endeavored to repay by earnest atten- 
tion to every thing committed to my charge by him. Thus it happened 
that he became one of my best and most reliable friends as well as my 
superior officer. He was a very careful man, and for some time took much 
pains with the results of my work ; but one day, upon review of a record 
or matter of some importance, he returned it to me with the statement 
that from that time he should consider my act and judgment as his own 
without review. This was to me very flattering, although, to tell the truth, 
■ it added the extra care of more earnest effort as to any matters which, in 
any sense or manner, might lead to compromise or involve his judgment 



448 BIOGRAPHY OF 

or position. Of course, confidence of this kind could not but -win affec- 
tion, as well as respect; and this, as usual, brought to me as a reflection 
his constant and kind regard, which invariably continued until the very 
moment of his death. 

" My duties necessai-ily brought me into intimate relations with all his 
surroundings, and I had constant evidence of the really i-emarkable and 
deep seated respect in which he was held by all, — the Commanding Gen- 
eral, the Corps Commanders, Generals of Divisions and of Brigades, Col- 
onels, petty Officers, and lastly, citizens of all grades. 

*' One of the great draw backs which he suffered from, was his being 
very near-sighted ; and this I could the more appreciate and sympathize 
with, because I was almost blind myself, and this J can illustrate. 

" On one very dark night (Dec. 26th) Genei-al llosecrans went across 
country with a few of his Staff officers, through a very difficult country, 
and along the watch fires of the enemy; and so difficult was it, that in our 
confusion (apparently so to me, at least) once or twice we would have 
entered the enemy's lines, had it not been that he had fallen back, but 
perhaps a half hour previously, from his position. On the trip we came 
upon the house of a famous free hand, named Dick McCann, His house 
was surrounded with the hopes of catching Dick within, but the bird had 
flown. However, a man was found there who was forced to act as our 
guide. In this night ride, I lost my glasses, and from that time on was, as 
you may say, a blind man. 

" On Tuesday morning before the great battle of Wednesday, General 
Rosecrans' Staff, which had passed the previous night as best it could on 
the ground, was on the left of the Murfreesboro pike, looking southward, 
at the head quarters of General Crittenden. The place was almost identi- 
cally that where the burden of the next day's battle was borne on the 
following day in the afternoon, sustaining the last terrible effort of the 
enemy to break the last linos made against him, and tlie scene of the stand 
made by Ilazen's brigade. 

" After such breakfast as we could get, the staff (dismounted) stood near 
the General, the horses being picketed at some little distance. There was 
a little piece of timber in front of us, in which men were massed and in 
the front of that were the advanced lines, and a battery just at the front 
edge. Firing had commenced and this battery commenced being served. 
Having nothing to do and being curious to see the battery served I went 
to it, in the edge of the open. But not to stay long. There was a sharp 
skirmish in front. Men were being brought in on stretchers, — and even 
a battery was opened in reply to ours, feeling for it. I retired back to 
where the horses were picketed, where I could see the General and his Staff 
Officers, among whom was Col. GareschS. It was just at this moment 
when a cannon shot struck down in a group of Orderlies, who wer6 gath- 
ered around a fire taking their breakfast. It struck one of them in the 
head, killing him instantly. Seeing that the place was becoming danger- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 449 

ons, the General ordered his staff to mount and fall back to a certain place 
which he designated. This they did, — and, in less time than I can write 
it, the staff had disappeared, all but Col. Garesche and mj'self. lie asked 
me if I had seen his horse (a little black one). I told him I had not, but 
then tendered him mine, saying that I would hunt his up, or else find my 
way back on foot. This he would not listen to, but asked me to stay with 
him and we would "O together. His horse was found ; we mounted, and in 
riding away came directly on the body of the dead soldier. Both stopped 
for a moment. I said, it seemed as if that was what all came for and what 
' we were paid for.' I did not mean it'in any light sense, for on all hands 
a most desperate fight was anticipated. But he said, very gravely, ''Major, 
I know I am paid for.'' I could not understand his remark, but afterwards 
learned from several quarters that he had an anticipation of his death in 
this battle. Indeed, from one source I had it that he had specifically said, 
that he felt that this would be his first and his last battle. "Well, we fell 
back to the newly chosen location of the staff, — which, for that day, was 
head quarters in the saddle — he being, of course, very much occupied all 
day. 

" The next morning we left Head Quarters' Camp very early, and going 
towards the front soon learned of the crumpling up of the Right under 
McCook. The Right w^as broken up like a pack of cards, even to the right 
position of the Centre under Gen'l. Thomas; and this seemed to be the 
place of the greatest importance to hold. At any rate, all General Rose- 
crans' first efforts seemed to be in that direction, — and then to fortify in 
the cedars and secure a second front. There was desperate fighting at this 
point. The Chicago Board of Trade battery was planted in a kind of gap, 
— and at this place the staff seemed to get separated. Here it was that 
Col. Garesche asked me, if I knew where any of the Aides were, as he 
wished to communicate with General Crittenden. I told him I did not, 
but if I could bo of service to him, I would try to accomplish what he de- 
sired. He thanked me very kindly, gave me the message, and I started 
off along the extreme front of Thomas over to Crittenden. I saw him, 
gave the message, Avhatever it was, and in reply had a return message to 
Colonel Garesche. By this time, hovrever, I did not know where to find 
Col. Garesche; and, indeed, it would have been almost impossible, for 
with General Rosecrans he had been engaged in making a front secure 
against the enemy, back along the cedars, and then they crossed the Nash- 
ville pike towards the bend of Stone River to secure the left of Crittenden 
on that side. I hunted everywhere for him, going back and returning to 
the front several times. But in the afternoon, at last, I found myself near 
some cedars, just back of Hazen's position, which was then being fiercely 
assaulted. Indeed, it was our last stand, on w'hich, as I heard, depended 
our fate. Between the edge of this Cedar clump and the thin timber in 
which, as I have said, the soldier Avas killed the day before, was an 
open space or glade like interval, extending quite openly, like a passage 

29 



450 BIOGRAPHY OF 

way, towards the river. Here, while I stood there, there came up Gen- 
eral llosecrans with some of his Staff, — Col. Bond and others, — and Col. 
Garesch6. I was glad enough to see them, and at once reported to the 
latter what had resulted from his message. He heard me out quietly and 
carefully, as was usual with him, and then said that what General Crit- 
tenden had said was perfectly right and proper, — thus assenting to his 
judgment; — and thefse were the last words he ever uttered. 

"There was a body of men in reserve to support Ilazen in one of the 
open spaces. General Rosecrans rode towards this body. Colonel Garesche 
followed. At some little distance they changed their direction and then 
headed directly onward. I had followed, and had just turned, or was in 
the act of turning; so, as it happened to be, in a direct line with Colonel 
Garesch6 and the line of fire of a battery which was plying down the open 
interval. Just at this moment I Avas looking at him, and then there came 
a quick thud or thuds right by my side. Two horses and their riders, one 
on each side of me, were sent into eternity by the murderous fire. But at 
the same moment, you can imagine my horror, when, for an instant^ it 
seemed as if Colonel Garesche's head disappeared from off his body, 
leaving it still sitting on his horse, — just for a moment, — and then the jar 
of the horse toppled it over, and it fell limp and lifeless to the ground. 
His brains and blood were discharged and carried by force of the blow 
directly back upon and all over my front, — face, brow and In-east, — with 
gouts which adhered to the texture of my clothing. 

" He was dead, — and many times I have felt that it would have been a 
mercy had the same shot finished me, for I. may say, I was never myself 
afterwards. A strange part of the affiiir was. that he, after constant ex- 
posure throughout the entire day, riding over miles of exposed front, had 
at last come back almost to the very pjlace of making the remark over the 
body of the dead soldiei-, the morning before ; Avhich spot was, from this 
place, near at hand and fully in view. Some time after this, on going to 
the spot where he fell, a portion of brain matter was found, which was 
carefully buried. 

" There was a little piece of rising ground occupied by Ilazen, and now 
mai'ked by a monument to his brigade, near the crossing of the Nashville 
or IMurfreesboi'O pike by the railway. Here at night Col. Garesch6 was 
buried. 

" On the morning of the day of his death, as he was riding down towards 
the Chicago Board of Trade Battery, his horse was shot in the nostril. 
It would throw up its head, and thus scatter the blood. General Rose- 
crans observed the blood, and thought Colonel Garesch6 was himself 
wounded, and asked him if he was." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 451 



CHAPTER XLII. 

Julius' "Nellie" — coincidence of St. Sylvester's Feast day — Col. Kniffin's 
impression of Julius' edifying conduct before death — a brave soldier's 
recovery of Julius' effects — his temporary burial on the battle-field — Alex- 
ander's dispatch and Major J. Ealston Skinner's description of the iden- 
tification and disinterment of his remains — his burial site afterwards 
marked by a small monument — the desk of the soldiers' love — Doctor 
Jerome K. Bauduy's letter — Barracks and Fort named after Julius — Ad- 
jutant General Lorenzo Thomas' touching tribute — U. S. Battery and 
Post of the G. A. E. also named in Julius' honor — Father Fred's gi-ief 
— his two letters and assurance of Julius' eternal happiness. 

This was " Nellie," Julius' beautiful and cherished little black 
mare and his favorite. His horse, a handsome sorrel, was dis- 
abled later in the day, while he was riding it through a storm of 
shot and shell accompanied by Lieutenant Ivirby, (as described 
on Page 439) and was lost. Julius was sorry to have to part 
with his gallant steed, but it was rendered necess' y, there was 
no alternative. He then called for Nellie. Hif servant said : 
" But, Colonel, she is shot !" " I know it," re^ ed Julius with 
such pity and tenderness in his tone, " but I jan't help it, I 
must ride her, for I have no other." He then nounted and was 
riding her when he met his death. She was recovered, and sub- 
sequently at the sale of his military effects was bought by some 
one and presented to General Rosecrans' son, from whom Julius' 
brother Alexander purchased her, with the sole intention of 
giving her her time, out of memory for her beloved master. She 
never lost her military spirit and fire and whenever she would 
hear martial music would prick up her ears and assume a march- 
ing step. A year or so after Julius' death, when sneezing one 
day she ejected the ball which had lodged in her nostril. Years 
afterwards she was drowned with her colt, while attempting to 
swim across a swollen torrent. She was indeed a very beautiful 
animal and richly deserving of Julius' praise and love. 

Strange, but true ! It was on St. Sylvester's Feast day that 



452 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius perished — anniversary of that great and holy Pontiff, to 
whose Knightly Order he belonged and belonged so meritori- 
ously and as a member of whicli lie had always felt such a Cath- 
olic pride ! It would appear as if the great Saint wished now, 
on this his commemoration day, to call his pious and Avorthy 
son aloft, to enroll him, not in an Order of perishable renown, 
but in one that will exist forever and ever, — the Order of Saints 
in Heaven. 

Early on this same morning, an officer of General Crittenden's 
Staff, Col. Kniffin, rode over to Rosecrans' Head Quarters, some 
short distance off, to see Julius on some official business. When 
he reached there he found all their tents struck excepting one 
and General Rosecrans and all his Staff already on horseback. 
Upon inquiring for Colonel Garesche he was pointed out this 
solitary tent. Thereupon, dismounting and entering, he beheld 
Julius, not engaged in any trivial occupation, but kneeling, 
wrapt in silent prayer, and seemingly unconscious of all that 
was going on around him. Such a display of true and unaffected 
piety, so edifying and so different to the ordinary conduct of 
military men at the last moment before entering a battle, made 
an impression on his mind never to be effaced, Especially when 
evening brought the sad and thrilling news of Julius' death. 

The spot where Julius fell was the most exposed portion of 
the field of battle on that memorable 31st of December, the spot 
where the rebel shot and shell rained the most furiously. 

On that same afternoon, a brave soldier of the 4th U. S. Cav- 
alry, First Sergeant Christian Haefling, in charge of the courier 
line near the Head Quarters of General Rosecrans, proceeded in 
the thickest of the fight and recovered the effects of Julius on 
his body. 

A little later in the evening, under cover of darkness, his 
body was brought in and buried for the time being in the little 
cemetery on the knoll where Head Quarters had been established 
the preceding, evening, where he had slept his last living sleep, 
and hard by the spot of his death. 

This labor of love was performed by a few devoted enlisted 
men of the Staff. They tenderly bore the remains of him who 
had always been so uniformly kind and good in his intercourse 




BURIAL OF JULIUS ON THE BATTLE-FIELD. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 453 

with all, and gently laid them down in the little Cemetery, and 
then quickly and in silence dug a grave. There was no funereal 
pomp, no beautiful military ceremonies, no glorious rites of holy 
Religion to hallow tliis sad and solemn occasion. Rosecrans 
and the other friends of Garesche are not even able to be present. 
The sullen roar of the cannon and the sharp rattle of musketry 
still tell of the Battle going on. These rough and battle-scarred 
men perform their labor of love in sorrowful silence. Their 
eyes, unused to tears, fill as they look upon him lying prone at 
their feet, — headless, — disfigured, and call to mind how only a 
few short hours ago he was riding his spirited horse so grace- 
fully and with his handsome face transfigured with excitement, 
hat and sword in hand, was cheering, rallying, and leading the 
troops to the charge again and again against the victorious 
enemy, and winning the admiration of the whole Army by his 
knightly bearing and dauntless chivalry. And memories, too, 
of his unvarying kindness of tone and gentleness of demeanor 
to all, to the bearer of the musket as well as that of the sword 
and epaulette, are recalled ; in a word, the recollections of his 
whole short Past with them come crowding thick and fast on 
their minds and like a swollen torrent carry all before them, 
and they feel choked with their emotions and the scakling tears 
will gush forth and there is no check to their flow. Though 
they feel that he must be now happy in Heaven, yet it does 
seem so hard to part with him ! Death seems so cruel, so ruth- 
less, to mow down such a man ! 

Slowly and sadly they lay him in the finished grave ; they 
have no coffin, no shroud, no pall, only their love to envelope 
his remains, — it is only too truly " ashes to ashes and dust to 
dust." Suddenly one of them pauses in his labor, — a beautiful 
thought has come to him, — and communicatino- it to his com- 
panions, they all eagerly gather from the Cedar trees around 
their evergreen branches, and carefully place their protecting 
boughs over the prostrate form, and then by the dim ligiit of a 
lantern tenderly replace the earth, and when their task, is fin- 
ished, they give one last long look and mournfully leave the 
spot, where reposes in his last sleep all that is mortal of the 
loved and gallant Garesche. 



454 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Immediately on being informed of liis death, his brotlier 
Alexander telegraphed from St. Louis to General Rosecrans that 
he would at once come on for the body. He telegraphed at the 
same time to ]Mariquitta that she only had the right to say where 
Julius should be buried, and to telegraph him at Xashville her 
wishes. On his arrival there he received her answer, — to bring 
him on to Washington. 

Meanwhile, on receipt of his dispatch, General Rosecraps had 
given orders to have the body identified, disinterred and for- 
warded on to Nashville. It was done accordingly, and I leave 
Major Skinner to describe this best in the continiration of his 
remarks. 

"The grave where Colonel Garesche was buried was not sufficiently 
marked. Some time after, I was requested by Gen. Rosecrans to go 
with Col. Bond and a party to identify the grave and remains. After the 
battle this place had been selected as a burial spot, and consequently there 
was no certainty as to the matter. Several graves were sunken in on, 
before finding the right one. At last the men became impatient, and to 
urge the matter I got down into the grave they were opening myself. At 
tiie bottom in the sand mould I found some evergreen lioughs, and pulling 
them apart, I discovered the fine cloth of an officer's blanket and clothes. 
Then I cut the blanket at the head, for if the body had no head, I could 
be certain the remains were his. And it turned out so." 

Julius' burial site is now marked by a small Monument. 

His memory was never forgotten by his brothers in arms. 
The soldiers of the 10th Ohio Vols, (a regiment composed 
mainly of Irish Catholic citizens of Cincinnati, and which won 
enviable distinction at Murfreesboro for its gallant services) pre- 
served the cedar boughs on which his remains had been con- 
veyed from the spot where he fell to his temporary burying 
place, and made a box of them, or rather a little desk, which 
they presented as a mark of respect and gratitude to Sister An- 
thony, one of. the Sisters of Charity. She esteemed it most 
highly as a valued relic of the saintly Garesche, and afterwards, 
in June 18G3, thinking that it more properly should belong to 
his own family presented it through his brother, Father Garesch6, 
to Mariquitta. The workmanship, it is true, was not elaborate, 
being done entirely by the inexperienced hands of soldiers; but 
then there was the warm, devoted heart that inspired thetn, and 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 455 

that compensated in Mariquitta's eyes for all deficiencies of skill. 
As Father Fred said, when he wrote to her to inform her 
of this gift, " The associations are every thing and those would 
hallow to you the roughest workmanship, and give value to the 
merest trifle." 

A cousin of Julius, Doctor Jerome K. Bauduy, the same 
mentioned in some of his former letters, afterwards a distin- 
guished physician in St, Louis, Mo., now (June 1863) a young 
Surgeon in the Army, just graduated and practicing his profes- 
sion in Hospital No. 14, in Nashville, Tenn., thus writes to 
Mariquitta in June, 1863, of the warm recollections of Julius 
preserved by Officers, soldiers and citizens. 

" lie was a imiversal favorite, and every one speaks of him as of a Saint ; 
his name is on the lips of every one, and his virtues and memory are 
extolled every- day." 

He says furthermore : 

" What an example his life was to us, and what consolation we have in 
his death ! I can well appreciate your loss, knowing what I myself have 
lost. He was a second Father to 1110, and his memory is as dear and 
sacred to me as is. that of my own Father." 

The Barracks erected in Cincinnati near St. Xavier's College 
and finished in June, 1863, were named in honor of Julius, 
" The Gareschg Barracks !" 

" Headquarters Department of the Cumberland, 

"Nashville, Tenn., June 19th, 1865. 
"General Orders, "I 
"No. 43. J 

"In accordance with the time-honored custom in the United States 
Army, and as an appropriate tribute to the memory of some of our brave 
comrades, whose spirits passed away amid the smoke and din of battle, or 
who died from wounds received in action, or from no less fatal disease 
contracted in the camp, it is ordered that their names be given to the de- 
fensive works of Nashville, which shall stand, for long years to come, fit 
monuments to their valor and devotion to their country. 

"V. The polygonal fort on the Hyde's Ferry Turnpike, with block- 
house, is named Fort GarescM^ in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Julius P.' 
Garesche, Assistant Adjutant General U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant 
General and Chief of StaflP to Major General Rosecrans, Commanding the 



456 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Department of the Cumberland; killed at the battle of Stone Iliver, De- 
cember 31st, 1802. 

*********** j;- * 

"By Command of Major General Geo, II. Thomas: 

•'Wm. D. Whipple, 

" Assistant Adjutant General." 

Even yet, at the Annual Reunions of the Association of the 
Army of the Cumberland (composed of those who participated 
in its Campaigns), when Stone River's Battle is fought over 
again in conversation, Julius' name always comes to the lips 
of those present. 

Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas expressed in his accom- 
panying Order the profound sorrow felt throughout the Army 

for his loss. 

"Adjutaxt General's Office, 

" Washington, January 16, 1863, 
"Orders, 

" With profound sorrow the Adjutant General announces to the officers 
of his Department the decease of one of their comrades. To use the \Yords 
of his Commanding General, in his brief dispatch from the battle-field, 
near Murfreesboro, — ' AVe have to deplore the loss of Lieutenant Colonel 
Garesciie, whose capacity and gentlemanly deportment had already en- 
deared liim to all the officers of this command, and whose gallantry on the 
field of battle excited their admiration.' 

"Lieutenant Colonel Julius P. GareschiS, Assistant Adjutant General, 
■was a graduate of the Military Academy, in the class of 1841. As Lieu- 
tenant of the Fourth Artillery, he served with distinction in the war with 
Mexico, and afterwards in Texas. Appointed to the Adjutant General's 
Department in ISoS, he was ordered to duty in the Bui-eau at Washington, 
where, at the outbreak of the Rebellion, he was the senior Assistant. His 
ability and untiring industry have left their impress on the elaborate 
records over which he presided; and the universal and unfeigned regret 
at his loss, so freely expressed by all who came in contact with him, is a 
touching evidence of his value as an officer, and his worth as a man. Just 
and uncompromising in his official conduct, he was yet courteous, oblig- 
ing, and affiible. Possessing a chivalric spirit, with a high order of pi-o- 
fessional attainment, he hastened to embrace the first opportunity given 
him to enter on a more brilliant sphere of action, and reported to Major 
General Rosecrans as his chosen Chief of Staff, in time to render essential 
aid in organizing the Army witli which the field of Murfreesboro' was 
■won. At a critical moment on the 31st December, when the General, with 
his Stafi", dashed forward to restore the tide of battle, Avhich was turning 
against our arms, ' The noble Colonel Garesche' was instantly killed by a 
cannon ball. 



\ 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 457 

" What lot can be more enviable to a soldier than his ! Of singularly 
spotless private character, faithful in the observance of his obligations as 
a Christian, and devoted in his leisure hours to the exercise of benevolent 
acts, honored and beloved in his profession, he died as a true hero, and is 
mourned with a depth and sincerity of grief not often betrayed. 

" The officers of the Adjutant General's Department will wear the badge 
of mourning for thirty days in respect to his memory. 

" L. Thomas, 

" Adjutant General. 
" Official : 

"E. D. ToW^NSEND, 

" Assistant Adjutant General." 

And per General Order No. 83 of the Adjutant General's 
Office, War Department, dated April 1, 1863, one of the new 
Batteries erected around Washington was named in Julius' 
honor, '^ Battery Garesclie." 

And many years afterwards a newly established Post of the 
Grand Army of the Republic in South St. Louis, Mo., formerly 
Carondelet, was named after him " The Julius P. GarescM 
Post:' 

When Father Garesche heard of his brother's death, even 
Priest of God as he was and as such expected to make all earthly 
sacrifices, yet hex^ould not restrain his anguish of mind, so dearly 
beloved was Julius by his own immediate relatives as well as by 
the outside world, and in his letter to Mariqnitta, written at 
once, and dated Cincinnati, January 3, 1863, he expresses not 
only his own sorrow but also that of the citizens of Cincinnati, 
who knew Julius but by reputation. 

"May the good God help you to bear this great affliction. It has so 
stunned me that I can hardly as yet realize it ; Avhat then must be your 
agony, my dear Sister! I feel for you and with you, and I wish that I 
Avere near, to speak of him whom we have lost, and whom we loved. It 
seems only yesterday that I bade him good-bye. He had been to Confes- 
sion and Communion on that morning, and I have no doubt whatever, that 
he did not go to battle unprepared. May his soul soon enjoy perpetual 
rest ! He suffered no agony — his wound w,as so instantaneously fatal — that 
he must have passed from earth to heaven to the Blessed Virgin, his Mother, 
to the Lord he loved, and the God he served — even as a child falls asleep. 

" Every one here (at the College) and in the city prays for him. Masses 
innumerable, I might almost say, will be offered up. His Grace (the Arch- 



458 BIOGRAPHY OF 

bishop) came at once to see nie, and sends you his most heai-tfelt sympatliy : 
lie said iMass for hira this morning. 

" my poor dear Sister, now these things cannot stop the tears nor the 
dull anguish of your heart! I know it, for I too have been weeping, and 
cannot bear it as a priest should. God help us, Julius Avas the best, noblest 
brother, difi'ering as we did, tliat I had received from God. 

" I have been down to Headquarters to see what should be done. Much 
depends on the Battle which is said, (and believed at Headquarters) to have 
ended disastrously. I was told that if General Roscerans is still alive he 
will spare nothing to bring on the remains. In the mean time, telegraphic 
communication is broken oS' and it is scarcely possible to make one's Avay 
to Nashville. Wliat would be your wish, my dear Sister, as I suppose that 
you have already sent on word to St. Louis ? I am now about to write what 
information I have to Aleck so that he may act at once and as he and your 
Father think best. 

" God bless you, my dear Sister, all the love that we had for poor Jules 
is yours now, for you and your children are all that is left to us, and do 
not for one moment think now of our different principles and opinions in 
this Avar, for 1 have been on to St. Louis and tliey Avere all as devoted to 
Jules as ever. Let us forget every thing to weep together and pray for 
our dear brother." 

On February 21, 1863, he writes from Cincinnati to Mari- 
quitta, of the certainty of Julius being in Heaven, as revealed 
to a holy Jesuit Father, and the peace and joy this knowledge 
has given himself: 

" There is a Father of our Society, Father "Weninger, of eminent sanc- 
tity and intimate union Avith God, and of knoAvn discretion. He celebrated 
5 Masses for Julius, in honor of the Five Sacred Wounds. Whilst saying 
the last and holding the sacred host in his hands, he implored our Lord to 
release my brother's soul, and to take it to Himself to repose on His 
divine heart forever. lie pressed his prayer, and Avith a holy violence 
insisted on having the favor granted at once. He says that our Lord did 
not say so, in so many words, but that He gave him an intimate conviction, 
an assurance which he cannot himself doubt, that the prayer Avas heard 
and the request granted. The Father told me that I might believe it 
without hesitation. I do, and since that time I cannot shed a tear for my 
brother, and save now and then a pang at my own loss, I feel nothing but 
a holy peace and even joy at his release from a situation, which to judge 
from his last conversation Avith me, Avould be now intolerable to him, for 
the proclamation rendered the Avar too inhuman and illegal, after the 1st 
of January, for him to have continued in it. ///.v Avords to me were (he 
Avas assenting to an argument Avhich I had urged on another and had 
repeated to him, proving that the Avar Avould then be, 'wicked, inhuman, 



LIEUT^. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 459 

and unchristian and that no Catholic could fight in it' — ) ' JN^o one can 
deny it — it is clear.' I felt a delicacy in pressing the question, and so I 
turned the conversation, but the impression remained on my mind, that in 
case the proclamation was really issued, which neither of us was then 
willing to believe possible, he would at once resign. 

" I am glad to hoar that you bear up so well, in a manner so becoming 
to a Catholic widow under this heavy cross, and I attribute it to his prayers 
in heaven, who is as near to you now and even nearer, and more solicitous 
than whilst he was on earth. Live for your children, to preserve them 
from any thing like sin which would render them displeasing to his sight, 
and cultivate iu them every virtue which seeing he will rejoice in," 



460 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

Father Lynch's letter assigning reason wliy Mariquitta wished to have 
Julius buried in Washington — Alexander's arrival at Nashville after the 
remains, his intense grief and Surgeon Swift's earnest recommendation — 
the sad Journey on to Washington, and the grief and honors accorded the 
body along the route — its lying in state in St. Aloysius' Church — Arch- 
bishop Kenrick's (of St. Louis) words in the pulpit and his letter to 
Mariquitta — exclamation of an Officer — Gen. Geo. Thorn breaks the sad 
news to Mariquitta — her feai-ful sorrow — Capt. Carbery Lay's happy 
thought — the cliildren's grief— Mariquittu's visits with Alexander to the 
body — description of deep grief experienced throughout Washington, of 
the funeral and burial, and of the regard Julius was held in by all classes. 

As Father Lyuch expresses in a letter to Father Garesche — 
January 21, 1863 — one of the reasons, and the main one of 
Mariquitta's desiring to have her beloved husband buried in 
Washington instead of elsewhere is, 

" The high appreciation of his character in this community. He had 
long resided here," says Father Lynch, — "longer than in any one other 
place. He was known to every one here, from the highest to the lowest. 
Besides myself, perhaps no one knew him intimately. Still for all this 
there was not a man in the whole city more generally known — not one 
who enjoyed a reputation like his. Tlicre was but one sentiment expressed 
when the news of his death reached us, that his body should repose in the 
midst of those who knew him, valued him, loved him, and to whom he 
was for so many years a model of every manly and Christian virtue. Be- 
sides this, the graves of two of his children are here, the spot where they 
repose was the favorite resort of his leisure hours." 



Alexander reached Nashville in the night and found the re- 
mains already encased in a coffin. Those in charge were about 
to light a lamp, so as to show them to him when the attending 
Surgeon, Surgeon Ebenezer Swift, U. S. A., hastily came for- 
ward and strongly advised him not to view them as the sight 
would be too harrowing to his feelings — better to remember his 
beloved brother as he last saw him. 

" It will give you no satisfaction, Mr. Garesch6," said he, " it is a ghastly 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 461 

spectacle, being only a headless trunk. The whole head was shot off save 
a little protuberance of the backbone, which I cut off to make a uniformity. 
Otherwise, the body was not in the least mutilated." 

The poor heart-broken Alexander complied Avith his sug- 
gestion and the casket was not opened. That night he made all 
the arrangements with an undertaker to have all ready for the 
morning train. 

The citizens of Nashville, on whom Julius had made a great 
impression, irrespective of their AYar feelings, were all pro- 
foundly grieved by his death and joined in the universal sorrow 
felt for his loss.. 

All along the long journey from Nashville to Washington did 
the remains of Julius meet with marked respect and sincere 
grief. All officers of the transportation lines— Boat as well as 
Rail — vied in their efforts to facilitate Alexander's progress, and 
rendered him every assistance in their power. When he reached 
Louisville, which was at night, by permission of Bishop Spal- 
ding the body rested all night before the High Altar of the 
Cathedral and many came to pay to it their respects. Had it 
been known by the citizens of Louisville the precise time that 
Alexander would arrive, every honor would have been paid to 
Julius as in Cincinnati. But Alexander had not notified the 
city, not seeking eclat for his brother's remains, and not dream- 
ing of the deep affection Julius was held in by all and how 
universally known his name was. When Alexander reached 
Cincinnati he was there joined by his brother Ferdinand, and 
together they continued the sad journey. The .attention shown 
Julius in Cincinnati can best be expressed in the accompanying 
newspaper clipping. • • 

"FUNERAL OBSEQUIES OF THE LATE 
COL. JULIUS P. GAIIESCHE. 

"At a meeting of the Young Men's Sodality, held in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
on the 12th day of January, 1863, Messrs. Edward Martin, P. A. Clifford, 
Rev. Chas. Driscoll, S. J., and John Holland, were named by the Chair- 
man to draft the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: 

"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to. take from our midst our 
fellow-sodalist, Col. Julius P. Garesche, who fell on the bloody field of 
Murfreesboro, while engaged in leading our noble army in the defence of 
our common country and liberties ; therefore — 



462 BIOGRAPHY OF 

'■^Resolved, That we, the Young Men's Sodality, will form an escort to 
his remains while passinfi through this city. 

" Besolved, That we hereby tender a most cordial invitation to all our 
fellow-citizens to join us in paying respect to the memory of the illustrious 
departed. 

" J!esoh-ed, That in his dcatii our country has lost one of its l)ravest and 
most gallant defenders, and we, his fellow-sodalists, one of our most 
exemplary members. 

" Resolved, That we hereby tender our heartfelt condolence to the family 

and friends of the deceased hero. 

" JoHx P. "Walsh, President. 
" P. A. Clifford, Secretary. 



" The mortal remains of the late Colonel Garesch6, arrived on Tuesday 
morning, 13th inst., on the Louisville Mail boat. The remains were 
accompanied from Nashville, Tenn., by his brother Alex. J. P. Garesche, 
Esq., of St. Louis, his third brother, Ferd L. Garesche, also of St. Louis, 
meeting them here en route for Washington, D. C, where the lamented 
hero, with his family, had resided some yeai's past. 

" At 8 o'clock, A. M., the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception, headed 
by their Cornet band, proceeded to the Mail ])oat. received the body and 
conducted it in solemn procession, to St. Xavier's church. — The coffin was 
covered with the American flag, and on either side of the hearse, were six 
citizen pall-bearers. The Society banner and the American flag, as they 
were borne aloft, heavily shrouded in crape, and the long line of mourners 
on foot, presented a very imposing spectacle. The funeral marched up 
Broadway, Sixth and Sycamore streets, to the Church, when the pall- 
bearers carried the body into the Church and placed it in front of the 
h.\"\\ altar. The coffin was then covered with tlie elegant American flag 
of the Sodality Society. — Even at this early hour, with no other notice 
than the announcement in the morning papers, the beautiful church of 
St. Xavier was fill'ed by the pious Catholics of the city and suburbs, and 
the children from the different schools, who came to assist at the solemn 
Mass hi requiem, that Avas about to be offered up for the repose of the soul 
of this faithful and devout Catholic soldier. — The altar was stripped of its 
ornaments and draped in mourning, and every thing around the church 
and every body seemed to weep for the loss of one they loved ; although 
tliev knew him but by reputation. His virtues Avere before them as a 
living model for all — one who had faithfully practiced and gloried in the 
practice of his religious duties — one, whose last act, even on the battle- 
field, where death and carnage were ruling around him, was to breathe a 
prayer to Almighty God. 

" The solemn Mass in requiein was commenced soon after the corpse was 
laid down before the altar. Rev. Father Garesch6, S. J., was the celebrant, 
assisted by deacon and sub-deacon. Rev. Father Driscoll, S. J., preached 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. G ARES CHE. 



463 



on the occasion. He spoke beautifully of the virtuous and pure life Col. 
Garesche had led ; and as he alluded to the Rev. celebrant, Col. Garesche's 
brother, and to tlie services which the deceased had lately rendered the 
Catholic church in AV'ashington, in erecting suitable hospitals to save the 
church from being profaned, when it was demanded for an hospital by the 
United States government; he was truly eloquent. He stated that in his 
early youth Col. Garesche had made a resolution that he would read a 
chapter in the Imitation of Christ every day of his life; that he had 
strictly adhered to it, and as one of the newspaper correspondents states : 
' Before going into battle he was seen reading his prayer book,' — no doubt 
fulfilling his promise — doing his duty to God and to his Country. He 
concluded by saying that Col. Garesche was one of the first members of 
the Sodality in the city of St. Louis, and that in the month of November, 
when passing through this city, he had gone to Communion in that very 
church with the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception on their regular 
monthly communion Sunday. 

" The solemn and imposing ceremonies of the Mass were then continued, 
and many a fervent prayer was offered up in the vast concourse that 
assisted at it for the eternal repose of the soul of the gallant Colonel. As 
the trembling voice of the celebrant intoned the Pafe^- Noster, every lip 
seemed to echo the prayer, and render more impressive, if possible, the 
solemn ceremonies of the Church. His Grace, the Archbishop of Cincin- 
nati, was in the sanctuary during divine service. 

"Rev. Father DriscoU, S. J., performed the funeral ceremony, and 
intoned the Be Profundis. 

" After the religjous ceremonies were performed, a detail of Military 
sentinels kept formal guard in front of the catafalque, until late in the 
afternoon. A stream of visitors continued to throng the chui-ch through- 
out the day, and there could not have been less than one hundred persons 
present at any one time, paying tribute to the memory of the deceased, 
and offering up a prayer for the repose of his soul. This was a sight that 
Catholics love to look upon, for ' it is a holy and wholesome thought to 
pray for the dead.' The funeral up to this hour was purely a Catholic 
one. At four o'clock a battalion escort of regulars with the Newport 
Band formed a column in front of St. Xaviei-'s church. Twelve soldiers 
marched up the aisle of the church, carried out the coffin and placed it in 
the hearse. The battalion presented arms as the body came out. The 
funeral procession then formed in the following order : 

" Advance Guard. 

" Newport Band. 

" Sis companies of- Infantry, in columns of platoons, with arms reversed. 



" Four Military Pall 
• Bearers on foot. 



Hearse 



Four Military Pall 
Bearers on foot. 



464 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" Sis citizen Pall-bearers, two and two, on foot. 

" Cornet Band of the Sodality. 

"Young Men's Sodality, Members of Catholic Societies, and students of 

St. Xavier's College, on foot. 
" Carriages. 

" The procession was several scjuares in length. The day was fair over- 
head, but the streets wore deep with mud, which rendered the marching 
extremely unpleasant. The display, nevertheless, was large and impos- 
ing, and the whole line proceeded to the railroad depot, and deposited the 
remains in a car to be transported to "Washington for interment. Tiie 
procession and all the ceremonies were very imposing and highly compli- 
mentary to the memory of the Catholic hero, Garesche." 

Continuously along the route, at all the stations, there were 
crowds of people, hoping to get a glimpse of the dead Catholic 
hero. One would have supposed some great and distinguished 
potentate dead, instead of the pious, modest, unostentatious 
Army Officer, so great was the concourse of people at every 
stopping place, endeavoring to obtain a view of Julius: but in 
his case how different was the sympathy of all manifested, how 
eloquently did their tears and heartfelt expressions of sorrow 
proclaim a genuine, — not a sham grief ! 

It was with heavy, heavy hearts that Alexander and Ferdi- 
nand bore on all that was left of the dear, devoted Brother, who 
notwithstanding the difference of their feelings concerning the 
War, had nevertheless loved them as fervently, as truly as ever, 
allowino; no such barriers to come between his and their love. 
And the remembrance of his grave, thoughtful look and sweet, 
])leasant smile; his devotion to his little family, to them, to his 
relatives, to all; and his whole life as known to themselves; 
came back with lifelike distinctness to their sorrowing gaze, and 
their anguish was deep and bitter. 

When they reached Washington, January 16, 1863, already 
every preparation had been made to honor the beloved remains, 
which were at once conveyed from the depot to St. Aloysius' 
Church — that Church Julius had loved and had saved from 
desecration. Here they lay in state, receiving every token of 
respect, love and sorrow from all — from the high and low — rich 
and poor — Catholic and Protestant — friend and stranger. The 
members of the Society of St. Vincent dc Paul, that Society he 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 4(35 

liad helped so earnestly to organize and since had taken such a 
warm interest in, kept unremitting watch over his cherished 
form. 

Archbishop Kenrick of St. Louis, always a devoted friend of 
Julius' family, and the same who received his father into the 
Church and solemnized his own marriage with Mariquitta, is so 
saintly that he is not easily disturbed in mind. On the morning 
of the Sunday folloAving Julius' death, January 4th, as there 
was no longer any question of doubting the truth of this mourn- 
ful event, all the newspapers fully corroborating it, his brother- 
in-law, Mr. Parish, presented to the Archbishop, just as he was 
about to ascend the pulpit of St. John's Church to preach, a 
written notice thereof. His Grace's voice faltered as he read it 
aloud, and he had to stop, then resuming read it through and 
recommended Julius' soul to the prayers of the congregation, 
adding these words: " TAe deceased was one of the best men 
ivhovi I had the priviler/e of hioitnng.'" 

A week subsequently he wrote as follows to Mariquitta : 

" I have the honor to enclose to you the certificate of your marriage with 
the late Lieut. Col. Julius P. Garesche. I avail myself of the occasion to 
express my deep sympathy with you in your bereavement. No language 
could do justice to my feelings of esteem and veneration for your late 
saintly husband. I always regai-ded him as a model Christian, one of 
those rare characters who unite the exact observance of all the duties of 
religion Avith the discharge of all the obligations of the sphere in which 
they move. It is this conviction which must afford to you and his orphan 
children the most solid consolation, as it lightens for all his friends the 
severity of tlie blow by which we have been visited in losing him." 

When the intelligence of Julius' death was flashed over the wires 
to the War Department, some one of the group of high Officers 
gathered around a table, late in the evening, watching for news 
as to how the Battle was going, exclaimed, " Well ! no matter 
how the Battle turns, it is equivalent to a defeat, for Garesche 
was worth an Army !" 

Even before General Thom knew of the sad event, there 
drove up to General Hal leek's Head Quarters, on whose Staff 
he was, a carriage containing Father Lynch, S. J., Julius' inti- 
mate friend, and another Father. They asked for General Thorn,, 

30 



466 BIOGRAPHY OF 

and upon seeing him, asked if he would not go with them and 
inform poor Mrs. Garesche of lier great loss, for they had not 
the heart to do it themselves, and because " she had been advised 
by Julius to look to him as her friend in case he should meet 
with the fate which had befallen him." Gen. Thom accord- 
"ingly went, and in company with them, General Francis J. Darr 
of the Volunteers, (a warm admirer of Julius) and Col. Jas. B. 
Fry of the Adjt. Genl's. Corps, one of Julius' friends, and one 
or two others, told her all. 

At first, she could hardly realize the news, but when the truth 
dawned on her bewildered mind the effect was stunning. She 
did not, could not cry, her very heart was benumbed with its 
anguish, and those about her became alarmed for the conse- 
quences. Her lady friends and neighbors kindly came at once 
to render all the assistance in their power to assuage her sorrow, 
for not one of them but had in some manner or other reason to 
feel grateful to the dead hero for benefits conferred on themselves 
and their families. She remained in this terrible tearless agony 
of sorrow for some little time, and it was only Mhen one of her 
friends. Captain Carbery Lay, U. S. A., whose family had always 
been on terms of the greatest intimacy at her house, bethought 
himself of bringing her little Adele to her that her pent up feel- 
ings at length discharged themselves in a copious flood of tears, 
and her overburdened heart found relief. Its sweet infantine 
smile and cute little " Eh !" and " my Papa" brought back so 
vividly her darling husband's proud and happy look when gazing 
on his charming baby, and the recollection of how much he 
thought of it. Then the reaction set in, and she sobbed long 
and poignantly. No one but her God comprehended at that 
moment the full sorrow of her bleeding heart, as none but He 
comprehended to the full extent her devoted, almost idolizing 
love for her fallen Jules. 

Her little children, still too young to understand fully the 
terrible loss they had sustained, nevertheless sobbed plaintively 
and mourned in their childish way : for had not Papa always 
been kind and good, was he not one among a thousand Papas, 
and could it be possible, as loving hearts told them, that he was 
gone forevermore ! Should they never again see his beloved 



LIEUT. COL. JULIIIS P. GARESCHE. 4^7 

self, never again receive his parental embrace, never again tell 
him their childish sorrows and joys and in return receive his 
sympathy or pleasure ! The same loving friends added that they 
must now try" and resign their little hearts to the eternal happi- 
ness he was enjoying with their deceased little brothers and 
sister and help dear, dear Mamnaa to bear up under her great 
cross, by being always good and obedient to her and loving and 
tender to one another ! Poor children, they did not, could not 
know the full meaning of being deprived of such a father; only 
long, long years could teach them the inexpressible value of such 
a parent ! 

After the arrival of his remains Mariquitta on the arm of 
Alexander made several visits to the Church to pray over them. 
Through respect for her the members on watch stepped aside 
leaving her and Alexander alone with her darling Jules. He 
lay in his coffin covered up, for it had been deemed. best that, 
owing to his decapitation, his body should not be exposed, lest 
it should awaken feelings too painful in those who had seen him 
last appearing so differently — then in all the pride of manly 
beauty — now only a headless, disfigured corpse. One of Mari- 
quitta's visits was at night. Heart-broken at her loss and yet 
striving so hard to resign herself to the Will of her Redeemer, 
to accept this great Cross even as He had accepted His for her's 
and all mankind's sake, it was sad to imagine what must be the 
anguish of her stricken, widowed heart. 

She did not feel equal to attending the burial rites, and her 
little ones, Marie, Octavie and Louis, under charge of their 
uncles Alexander and Ferdinand Garesche and John F. Slevin, 
took her place. The sad solemnity of that occasion and the 
bitter grief evinced by every one made an impression on their 
youthful minds that Time could never efface. 

The deep grief experienced throughout Washington and a 
description of the imposing funeral ceremonies are best recorded 
in the words of the newspaper extract subjoined, dated Wash- 
ington, January 17, 1863. 

" Col. Julius P. Garesche is no more ! Such was the sad and startling 
intelligence which a few days ago the electric wires conveyed from the 
bloody field of Murfreesbovo' to the sorrowing family of that heroic Chris- 



468 BIOGRAPHY OF 

tian ami fearless soldier. A momentary cessation supplied the place of 
our city's wonted activity, and with anxious hopefulness all hearts still 
cherished the belief that the rumor was unfounded. A second dispatch 
soon came, liowever, confirming the sorrowful news, and then the pent up 
grief of loving hearts found full expression in unbidden tears and heart- 
felt prayers. 

"Washington to-day is draped in deepest mourning, and well she ought 
to be, for to-day has been consigned to his mother earth, amid the tears of 
mournful thousands, one of her no])lest and most devoted sons. AVell 
indeed did Garesch6 deserve the honors that to-day were shown him, and 
well too did our community perform its part in paying the last tribute of 
respect to his clierished memory. The remains, brought hither by his 
brothers Alexander and Ferdinand, reposed in state in the Church since 
yesterday morning, attended constantly by the various Conferences of 
St. A^incent de Paul, of which Society he was an honored member. To 
the clergy of the Society of Jesus he was devotedly attached, and it Avas 
meet that the members of that illustrious Order should honor him. in 
death, who had reverenced and respected them whilst living. The im- 
pressive funeral services of our Holy Church were this morning celebrated 
in the beautiful temple of St. Aloysius. 

"l)urini!; the services the corpse, which was in a metallic case, over 
which the national flag was laid, was placed in front of the altar, sur- 
rounded by lighted candles. 

"A solemn Reciuiem Mass for the repose t)f his soul was intoned at 
eleven o'clock, by llcv. B. F. Wiget, S. J., President of Gonzaga College, 
with Rev. Father Brouillet, D. D., of Oregon, as Deacon, Rev. Father 
McGraw, 0. S. D., as Sub-deacon, and Mr. W. F. Hamilton, S. J., as Mas- 
ter of ceremonies. The spacious edifice was crowded in every part by all 
conditions of society — those well to do in the world coming to do homage 
to the patriot and the soldier, and the humble to bear their tribute to the 
charity and Christian virtues of the man. 

" AVhen Rev. Father B. A. Maguire, S. J., ascended the pulpit a death- 
like stillness prevailed throughout that large assembly. Father INIaguire 
and Colonel Garesche had lieen most intimate friends, and it was with 
difficulty that the eloquent panegyrist restrained his feelings during the 
delivery of his able and touching discourse. He took for his text 'John, 
Chapter 11, 21st to 28th verse.' lie felt that he was unable to do justice 
to the occasion. Human nature was crushed by such an event, and phi- 
losophy could afford no consolation. This was found only in the words of 
the text — Christ's words of comfort to Mary and iNIartha. He would speak 
as best he could ; it had caused him to feel that the Church and clergy had 
sustained an irreparable loss. 

" He proceeded to give a brief history of Colonel Garesch6's life, and then 
spoke of his exalted character as a citizen, a soldier, and a Christian. On 
the morning of the day on which he was killed he received Holy Commun- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 4(39 

ion in connection with the Commanding General, thus leaving behind the 
clearest evidence that he was faithful unto death. 

" It was not necessary for the speaker to dwell at length upon the vir- 
tues of the deceased ; all who knew him could bear witness to his fidelity 
to all the obligations he assumed as a soldier, citizen or Christian. 

" During the Mass the deep-toned organ was handled in a masterly 
manner by Henry Sherman, Esq., but the most thrilling effect was pro- 
duced by the Militai\y Band which performed the Miserere from II Trova- 
tore with solemn impressiveness at the close of the services. 

"The choir (which on this occasion was composed of the choirs of all 
the Catholic Churches in this city) under the leadership of Mr. G. E. 
French, performed Mozart's grand Requiem Mass and selections from 
Norma, Sicilian Vespers, and Don Giovanni, in an impressive manner. 

" 'Angels ever bright and fair,' was sung in exquisite style by Mrs. 
Young Kretchmar ; and a duet from Rossini's Stahat J/rt^e;- was performed 
with similar effectiveness by Mi*s. Kretchmar and Mrs. Delano, wife of 
Hon. Mr. Delano of Massachusetts. 

'* Many distinguished persons were present, among whom were Generals 
Halleck, Shields, Barnard, Casey, Stone and others, the family of Secretary 
Stanton, and a large number of members of Congress. The members of 
the several Conferences of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, Young Catho- 
lic Friends' Society, Sodalities, and Literary Societies of Georgetown Col- 
lege were present in large numbers. 

" The body was removed to the hearse by ten soldiers detailed for that 
purpose, preceded by the pall-bearers, Colonel E. D. Townsend, Colonel 
Geo. Thorn, Colonel Geo. D. Ruggles, Major M. S. Miller, Major M. D. 
L. Simpson, Major J. C. Woodruff, Captain J. G. Benton, and Captain 
J. D. Kurtz. The procession was then formed with the twenty-fifth Maine 
Regiment in front, preceded by their full Band, playing a funeral March, 
— then came the carriages containing the pall-bearers, after which eame 
the hearse, and a long line of carriages filled with the family and friends 
of the deceased, among whom were many of the first citizens of our city. 
■It was one of the lai-gest funeral processions ever witnessed in Washing- 
ton. By this imposing cortege the corpse w-as conveyed to Mount Olivet 
Cemetery, where it Avas consigned to its narrow house of clay amid the 
prayers of the Church, the salvos of the military, and the teai's of the 
assembled multitude. 

"Thus has passed from our midst one of the noblest spirits that ever 
lived on earth. lie was, in the words of his distinguished eulogist, 'the 
very embodiment of the soul of honor ;' one of the purest specimens of 
God's noblest work, and combined in his person all the lofty attributes 
of the heroic knights of ancient Catholic chivalry. 

"Ilis official and social career while here, is too well known to require 
any delineation. To the country he proved a faithful servant ; to the poor, 
the widow and the orphan, a more than father ; to our Catholic religious 



470 BIOGRAPHY OF 

bodies, a friend and defender; and to the Church of God, a devout, obe- 
dient and edifying cliild. Well may the country hang low her flags, for 
she has lost one of her bravest sons! Well may the poor give vent to 
poignant grief, for they have suffered in his death; and well may the 
Church put on her mourning, for one of her brightest ornaments has 
gone ! 

"He was a Knight of St. Sylvester, and it is a remarkable coincidence 
that on that Saint's day he lost his life. Gen. Ttosecrans positively asserts 
that Garesch6 is a martyr to the Arm3^ On the morning of the day on 
■which he was killed he and the Genei-al received together the Holy Com- 
munion, thus leaving behind the clearest evidence that he was faithful 
unto death. Late in the day, the General and his staff were together on 
the field — contending hosts were fiercely battling for the victory — the 
orders had all been issued, and with painful anxiety did they await the 
issue of the terrible conflict. Presently the lines began to waver — pressed 
on all points, the men gave way — the day seemed lost, and inevitable de- 
struction appeared to be the Army's only fate! At that fearful moment 
it was, when stout hearts quailed and almost ceased to beat, that Garesch6 
requested a moment's absence. Permission was granted. He retired to a 
secluded spot — dismounted from his charger — fell prostrate on the earth, 
— and there, like the valiant Decius of ancient Rome, but with a spirit of 
faith as far beyond that of Decius as the supernatural can surpass the 
natural, he ofi'ered to God his own life for the deliverance of the Army! 
He returned to the field — the army rallied and were saved, but Garesche's 
body lay cold in death, — while 

" * His rapt soul, anticipating Heaven, 
Burst from the thraldom of incumhering clay, 
And on the toing of ecstasy uphorne, 
Soared to the realms of endless Life and Light.' " 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 471 



CHAPTER XLIY. 

Affecting tribute of Conference of St. Patrick's, of Particular Council of 
the Society of St. Vincent cle Paul, and of Philodemic Societ}' of George- 
town College — Monument raised to Julius' memory at Mt. Olivet Ceme- 
tery and its description. 

As an evidence of how Julius' memory was treasured in the 
hearts of his brother members of St. Vincent de Paul's Society 
and revered by other organizations to which he had belonged, I 
submit their Resolutions upon his death. 

" Society of St, Yixcent de Paul, 

" Conference of St, Patrick's, 

"Washington, January 11, 1863. 

" It having been officially announced that Lieut. Colonel Julius P. 
Garesche, Chief of the Staff of Major General Rosecrans, was killed while 
leading a Cavalry Charge at the Battle of Murfrees])oro', Tennessee, the 
Committee to draft resolutions of respect to the memory of the deceased, 
reported the following, which were unanimously adopted : 

'•'■ Resolved, That this Conference has heard with the profoundest sorrow 
of the death of Lieut. Colonel Julius P. Garesch^, U.vS.A., their much 
beloved President and Brother in St. Vincent de Paul, who offered his life 
a sacrifice for the cause of his country, in whose service he was distin- 
guished as a gallant officer and a brilliant ornament. 

^^ Eesolved, That we will ever cherish and respect his memory, and esti- 
mate the virtues which adorned his private and pul)lic character as a man 
and a Christian, whose every act and motive was for the greater glory of 
God and the amelioration of his fellow man. 

" Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with his family and friends in 
their irrepai'able loss, and while we mingle our tears with theirs, we bow 
submissively to the Will of Ilim, who has taken to Himself this faithful 
servant to reward him for his many good deeds unknown to other men, 

" Resolved, That as a mark of respect foi' our deceased President, we will 
wear the usual badge of mourning for 30 days, and will offer a Requiem 
Mass for his repose on the 30th inst., in St. Patrick's Church. 

" Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be communicated to the 
family of the deceased. 

"J. F. Callan, 



" D, W. C. ClarkE) > Committee.'''' 



"J. Smolinski, 



472 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"At a meeting of the Particular Council of St. Vincent de Paul's Society, 
held in Washington on January 14th, 1863, the President, Mr. Richard 
II. Clarke, having announced the recent death of Lieut. Colonel Garesch6, 
late a member of tlie Council and President of the Conference of St. Pat- 
rick's, iind in a very appropriate manner enumerated his virtues and 
silent charities, a committee was appointed to draft resolutions of respect 
for the memory of tlie lamented deceased. 

" Mr. Brent reported the following preamble and resolutions, which 
were unanimously adopted and ordered to be publislied in the National 
Intelligencer of Washington and the Catholic Mirror of Baltimore. 

" When, in the mysterious dispensations of Providence, men, like the 
good and lamented Colonel Garesche are removed from the sphere of their 
xisefulness, and family and friends are called upon to mourn over the mel- 
ancholy event, sorrow and regret are confined to no narrow limits, but the 
public have cause and occasion to unite in the expression of distress and 
sympathy. 

" To none, outside of the immediate family and relatives of the departed, 
has this dispensation brought more pain and sorrow, than to his brethren 
of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. 

"Practically and intimately acquainted with the religious and disinter- 
ested zeal of tlieir lamented brother in the discharge of the charitable 
duties prescribed by the Society to its members in their relations to the 
poor and afflicted, none can bear better testimony to his acts and merits in 
these respects than his mourning associates. Truly was our departed 
brother a model representative of the children and almoners of St. A'in- 
cent de Paul. A practical and consistent member of our ' Holy Church,' 
an ever ready and self-saci-ificing friend of the poor and the suffering — a safe 
and prudent counsellor in every thing that concerned the welfiire, spiritual 
and temporal, of the adopted recipients of the benefits of our association, 
and of the distressed anel needy, Avhenever and wherever brought to his 
notice — the lamented Garesche has left in this world the living and shining; 
evidences and results of his zeal and piety, and has carried with him to 
that beyond the grave, the claims of a Christian life, and the good works 
which he so constantly and modestly performed. 

" Therefore Resolved, That the Particular Council of the Society of St. 
Vincent de Paul, entertaining these sentiments and opinions, desire to 
express, however imperfectly conveyed, for tliemselvcs and the Society, 
their profound sorrow and regret at this sudden and afflicting dispensa- 
tion of the Most High, which has taken from them a valued and beloved 
co-laborer and brother, and from the poor and unfortunate of this city, 
one of their best friends and comforters. 

" Resolved, That in testimonj'' of their sorrow on the occasion of this sad 
event, tlie meml)ers of this Council will wear the usual badge of mourn- 
ing for the period of thirty days. 

" Resolved, That a copy of these proceedings be transmitted to the family 




LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 473 

of the deceased, with the assurance of the sincere condolence of this 
Council and the Society under this trying affliction. 
"By order of the Council, 

"Richard H. Clarke, 

" President Particular Council. 
" John Carroll Brent, Vice President, "j 

" P. C. HowLE, President St. Matthew's Conference, >■ Committee.'''' 
" John F. Callan, Secretary Particular Council, J 

"At a meeting of the Philodemic Society of Georgetown College, D. C, 
held Sunday, January 11th, 1863, the following resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted. 

" Whereas, The Divine Providence of Almighty God has called from our 
midst Lieutenant Colonel Julius P. Garesch6, U. S. A., an old and respected 
member of the Philodemic Society, therefore be it 

'■^Resolved; that in lamenting the death of one possessing so many noble 
and amiable qualities we feel sensibly the loss we are called upon to sustain. 

'' Besolved; that as a testimony of respect for his memory, the members 
of this Society wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. 

'■''Resolved ; that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted to the family 
of the deceased with the assurance of our warm sympathy in their deep 
bereavement. 

" Resolved ; that a copy of these resolutions be published in the National 
InteUigenrer of Washington, D. C, and entered in full upon the records of 
the Society. 

"H. M. Brent, 

"H. L. McCullough, ^ Committee:' 

"J, A. Murphy, 

Not satisfied with honoring Julias in the manner just de- 
scribed, tlie Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in their aflfectionate 
regard for him, determined to erect a Monument to his memory 
over his remains in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Accordingly, at a 
meeting of the Particular Council, held in St. Patrick's Church, 
in March, 1863, a Committee, consisting of the President, Rich- 
ard H. Clarke, J. Carroll Brent, Vice President, and Thomas H. 
Parsons, President of the Conference of St. Aloysius', were ap- 
pointed to co-operate with the family and friends of Julius in 
erecting a handsome Monument, and were authorized to adopt 
the plan and requested to complete the work with all possible 
speed. This was done, and many of Julius' associates in the 
Army, as well as others, willingly contributed. The necessary 



474 BIOGRAPHY OF 

money was collected, and deposited with a Banker by the name 
of Sweeney. Unfortunately, he failed, and for a long time 
there was but little hope of recovering any of the deposit. 
After some months' time, however, he recovered, but even be- 
fore he could pay back any portion of this money, the Society 
of St. Vincent de Paul had generously determined, at any rate, 
to erect the Monument, and theraseh'es to furnish the amount 
originally collected, whether he were able or not to pay. What 
adds to the value of this testimony to Julius' memory, is that 
most of these brother members were far from being rich. 

The obelisk, a remarkably handsome one, — and a modification 
of the design of the Rev. Father Sestini, S. J., the talented and 
pious Architect of St. Aloysius' Church, and a former Confessor 
of Julius, which design could not be carried out in full, as the 
expenses for doing so would have involved more money than 
was on hand, — was made of the purest Italian marble, and con- 
sists of a pedestal and shaft, eighteen feet high, beautifully orna- 
mented with the Insignia of the Corps of U. S. Artillery and 
with a copy (the entire workmanship in stone) of Julius' Cross 
of St. Sylvester, which he had so highly prized in life. The 
four sides of the Monument are inscribed as follows : 

On the front, and immediately below the above mentioned 
Insignia and Cross, appears the following Latin Inscription, 
composed and written by Rev. Father Felix Cicaterri, S. J., — 
a master of this species of Latin composition — at the request of 
Rev. Father Daniel Lynch, S. J. 

"P H. S. E. P 

JVLR^S .p. GARECIIEVS 

EQ. ORD. SYLVESTRIANI. BELLI. DVCIS. ADIVTOR 

QVL ANN. NATVS. XLL IN. ACIE. OCCVBIT 

PRID. KAL. IAN. A. M. DCCCLXIII 

VXSOR. INSOLABILIS. SODALES. MOERENTES 

VIRO. FORTISSIMO. INTEGERRIMO. PIENTISSIMO 

TITYLVM. ET. LACRVMAS." 




THE GRAVE OF JULIUS AND MARIQUITTA AT MT. OLIVET CEMETERY. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 475 

Translation. 

" Here reposes 

In Christ 

Julius P. Garesche 

Knight of the Order of St. Sylvester and 

- Assistant Adjutant General U. S. Army, 

Who, in his 41st year of age, was killed in battle 

The 3 1st of December 1862. 
His disconsolate spouse and sorrowing comrades 
Have erected this Monument with tears 
To the bravest, most upright, and most religious of men." 

Immediately on the reverse side of the Monument there 
appears, 

liiis 

"ERECTED 

by 

the OfiBcers of the U. S. Army 

and 

the Society of St. Vincent de Paul." 

And on the right hand side, 

" KILLED 

in 
the battle of Murfreesboro 
Dec. 31st, 1SG2. 
May he rest in peace." 



And on the left hand side, 



t 



"JULIUS P. GARESCHE 
Lt. Col. U. S. A. A. A. G. 

bom 1821." 



476 BIOGRAPHY OF 



CHAPTER XLV. 

Mariquitta's life subsequent to Julius' death — her own death and subsequent 
removal to and burial in his grave at Washington — ultimate cure of 
Marie — religious vocation of Tavie and Adole — instance of the force of 
Julius' example — History and Description of the Order of St. Sylvester. 

A FEW days after the funeral, at the urgent entreaties of her 
Mother, who had come on -with her son-in-law, Mr. John F. 
Slevin, to assist and comfort her and her little ones in their hour 
of tribulation, and actuated too by her heart's desire to leave a 
city that could never more be the same to her — that would call 
up hereafter none but sad and painful memories of her great loss 
— Mariquitta consented to go to St. Louis, and accompanied by 
all her children she left with her Mother and three brothers-in- 
law for her new home. 

She never fully recovered from her sad blow, and though 
resigned to God's Holy Will, and feeling assured that Julius was 
happier in his Heavenly abode, than he could ever be with her 
and his children on this earth, and striving so perseveringly and 
so fervently to bear up courageously and with a true religious 
spirit under her great cross, still her heart never ceased to beat 
for him. Thoroughly unselfish and endeavoring faithfully to 
perform her duty: 1st to God; 2nd to her children; and 8rd to 
her neighbor, she complied to the letter with all her obligations. 
A fond, devoted Mother, she lived thenceforward for the sake of 
her children, and sacrificed herself for their sakes again and 
again ; for her means were scanty. Her noble husband had 
left nothing but his very small Capital left him by his own 
father and which had considerably diminished, owing to his 
having been compelled at different times to make heavy inroads 
upon it. In his unselfish devotion to duty Julius had sought 
only the glory and welfare of his country, without any thought 
of himself, and had, moreover, always shared with the poor, the 
widow and orphan, and the Church, all that could be spared 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 477 

from the immediate, wants of his family, and had made no pro- 
vision for them in the contingency of his death. 

With her modest pension of $30 a month and what copying 
she conld obtain from the Government, Mariquitta bravely sup- 
ported herself and her four children, and strove to give them a 
good education and every advantage and comfort, even at the 
expense of her own health and comfort. Of a noble and unself- 
isii nature, possessed of the true spirit of independence, she could 
not bear tiiat she and her little ones should live on the kind 
charity of her, loving relatives, but preferred that they should 
all depend upon her own exertions, feeling assured, too, that 
such would be the wish of her darling husband were he able to 
communicate with her. 

She did not live many years after his decease, but died in St. 
Louis on the 16th of February, 1871, a most beautiful and edify- 
ing death, and receiving all the last Sacraments of the Church, 
surrounded by her weeping, heart-broken children and sorrow- 
ing relatives. Always, since Julius' loss, experiencing the 
utmost horror of death and every thing relating thereto, to the 
wonder and admiring surprise of all her last moments were as 
j)eaceful as those of an infant. In that dread moment, undoubt- 
edly, her beloved husband and little angel babes were at hand, 
succoring her and entreating the mercy of the Omnipotent in her 
behalf; for she was able resignedly to say a last good-bye to all 
around her and even to try and cheer her despairing, desolate 
darlings. Not old enough fully to appreciate their sainted 
Father's death, they now felt but too painfully what they were 
losing in her, and their pent up hearts wailed forth their agony 
as they saw her slowly and gradually fading from before their 
tear bedim med gaze. 

In her dying moments she expressed aside to her daughter 
Tavie the wish that at some future day her remains might be 
disinterred from Calvary Cemetery (near St. Louis) and taken 
on to Washington, there to repose in the same grave as her be- 
loved Jules. This last loving desire to be near that faithful 
husband, but sad and painful task to her devoted son, was 
carried out by him many years aftww^ards, in November 1882, 
when he was able, and she now sleeps in the same grave as 



478 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Julius, immediately over him, with his Monument at hor head 
and covered with her own tombstone and cross, and with her 
little Laureal resting on the one side and little Edgar on the 
other. United as she and Julias had been in life and are now 
in Heaven, God permitted them to be united even in the grave. 
In the words of her tombstone: " Elle a servi Dieu avec 
crainte, Elle a ete a lui avec confiance." " She served God with 
fear, and went to Him with confidence." 

Julius' "dear little Marie" was ultimately cured, but not till 
after the snows of many Winters had crowned his last resting 
place in Mount Olivet Cemetery and that of his darling Mari- 
quitta in Calvary Cemetery. And then soon followed the re- 
union of himself and his Mariquitta in the grave, and shortly 
after that the entrance into the Religious life of his two other 
daughters, Adele and Tavie. The accompanying clipping from 
a Catholic newspaper, the New York Freeman\s Journal, dated 
August 28, 1880, describes Marie's cure: — 

"OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP. 

" CURE OF MISS MARIE GARESCH^ IN ST. LOUIS. 

"A special correspondent of the New Orleans Morning ^Stor writes to it, 
under date of August 7th, 1880: 

" The Garesche family requires no introduction to our Catholic public. 
It has given a son to the Church and a hero to the country ; while many 
of its members have been distinguished by rare gifts of mind and heart, 
and by virtues that ennoble even more than birth and ancestry. 

" The father of this young lady, Colonel J. P. Garesche, died nobly on 
the battle-field during the civil war. The mother died about nine years 
ago, so that she to whom God has been so merciful, is an orphan, under 
the care of her uncle, Mr. Ferdinand Garesche. A little over two years 
ago, she was afflicted with neui-algia in the hip, and for months suffered 
all the agony which this terrible disease entails. When, at last, she was 
able to go about, her limb had contracted so much and the pain from the 
pressure of the foot upon the ground, was so great, that she was obliged 
to use crutches. It was two years, this May, that this condition had con- 
tinued. ' I could not kneel at all,' she said to me. ' When I went to Con- 
fession, a chair had to be placed for me — and as I could not receive 
Communion at the altar-rail, it was brought to me by one of the Fathers.' 

'"She dwelt with great earnestness upon the suffering she endured, but 
through it all she said she never lost hope that God would hear her 
prayers and grant her some relief. 'I made about a hundred Novenas,' 
she said. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 479 

" Last April she began another Novena, Avhich was to end on the 2d of 
May, her birthday, and in which she begged the Blessed Virgin to obtain 
for her as a birthday present that she might, at least, dispense with her 
crutches. The 2d of May came and passed — the Novena was ended — but 
there seemed to be no answer to her prayers. ' I immediately began 
another,' she said, ' and this time to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.' 

" ' I commenced this Novena on the 5th of May, Avhich was a "Wednes- 
day — on Saturday, the 8th of May, I was cured — even before the Novena 
was ended.' 

" That afternoon, May 8th, she walked to church without crutches, and 
afterwards deposited them upon the altar of 

" Our Ladt of Perpetual Help, 

in the Church of St. Alphonsus, belonging to the Piedemptorist Fathers, 
on Grand Avenue, St. Louis. 

" I saw her last Monday, August 2d, Feast of St. Alphonsus, kneeling 
in that same Church, with the rest of the congregation, and I was not far 
away from her at the altar-railing, when we all went up to venerate the 
relics of the illustrious Saint, whose birthday into Heaven we were then 
celebrating. After Mass, in front of the Church, and on its broad terrace 
which commands a magnificent view of the city, I heard from Miss Gares- 
che's own lips the account which I have just given you. 

" Now who will dare to say it was a mere coincidence that on Saturday, 
the Blessed Virgin's day — in May, the Blessed Virgin's month — Marie 
Garesche, the Blessed Virgin's namesake, should have been cured by the 
intercession of Her who loves to be called Our Lady of Perpetual Help? 

" I cannot add any thing more to this simple recital of God's goodness 
and Our Lady's pity. The smiling face, the active motions (although 
there is still a limp in walking) of her who has been thus favored, are 
more eloquent than words and more convincing than written declarations. 

•' 'I have heard,' she said, 'that there have already been two conver- 
sions because of my cure.' And the joy that beamed on her face as she 
made this, her last remark to me, showed how she rejoiced that one so 
insignificant as she, had been the means, under Providence, of bringing 
souls to God. 

" The great lesson which I derive from this beautiful cure, is: 

" Perseverance in Prayer. 

" ' I made about a hundred Novenas,' she said — and how this fact 
should comfort weary souls who have prayed — and not as yet been heard. 
Let us remember how the blind man reiterated his petition : 'Jesus, Son 
of David, have mercy upon me !' and from these two examples we will 
learn that God designs to heed His children noio, even as He did when 
Jesus walked on Earth. 

" I have heard to-day, since I wrote the last paragraph, that Miss 



480 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Garcscli6 has always boon more or less a jjreat sufferer, but only within 
the last two years was forced to walk on crutches. 

"Also that her mother, before she died, had almost despaired of her 
child's cure. I have before me now a lettei*, dated Baltimore, July 25th, 
1880, from a most intelligent lady of that cit}-, in wliich occur these lines: 
* I want to tell you how more tiian surprised and delighted I was to hear 
of Marie Garesch^'s cure. I have thought of that dear girl so often since 
her mother died. The last time I saw Mrs. Garesch6, she told me that she 
would never have another Novena made for Marie, as during tlie last one 
Marie had nearly died, and she had come to the conclusion that it was not 
the will of God she should ever be cured." 

Julius' two other daughters had the happiness of entering the 
Religious state, " his dear little baby Adele" the Visitation Con- 
vent in St. Louis, Mo., on the 3rd of September, 1885, and 
"his dear little Tavie" the Carmelite Monastery in the .same 
city on the first of the following month, October. JBoth had to 
make many and great sacrifices in thus cutting tiiemselves aloof 
from one another and from all they held dear in this world, and 
surely their sainted Father and Mother must have blessed their 
step, for as I write these lines, I have their letters before me 
telling me they are both happy in their cloisters and perfectly 
resigned to the Will of God that has called them away from 
mvself and the other loved ones to the service of Himself. 

They received the White Veils in their Convents, Tavie on 
the 15th of June, 1886, Feast of Saints Vitus, Modestus, and 
Crescentia, Martyrs, and Adele on the 2nd of August of the 
same year, Feast of the Portiuncula or Our Lady of Angels. 
Both were most beautiful and most touching ceremonies, appeal- 
ing to all the tenderest and most sublime feelings of the heart. 
Adt'le received the name of Sister Francis Joseph and Tavie 
that of Sister Augustine of the Holy Face. 

In the words of their eloquent Uncle Fred, Father F. P. 
Gare.sche, S. J., who delivered the sermon at Adele's Reception : 
" It was beautiful to consider that one liad chosen the contem- 
plative, the other the more active life. They were Martha and 
Mary." 

As an instance of the force of Julius' example on the minds of 
others, I will mention the following. It occurs in the Memoir of 
the life of the Rev. Francis A. Baker, Priest of the Congregation 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 481 

of St. Paul. The author is speaking of a Mission which Father 
Baker gave at St. Augustiue, Florida, in 1857. 

"The most interesting incident of the Mission was the conversion of an 
ordnance sergeant of the regular Army, who was in charge of the fortress. 
This brave soldier had distinguished himself in the Mexican War, by the 
recapture of a cannon which had been taken in one of the battles by the 
Mexicans, and by his general character for gallantry and fidelity to his 
duties. His wife and children were Catholics, but he himself had lived 
until that time without any religion. On New Year's night, as he sat 
alone in the barracks, after his family had retired, he began to think over 
his past life, and resolved to begin at once to live for the great end for 
which God had created him. He knelt down and said a few prayers, to 
ask the great blessing of God on his good resolutions. His prayers were 
heard, and during the Mission he was received into the Catholic Church 
and admitted to the Sacraments with all the signs of sincerity and fervor 
which were to be expected from one of such a resolute and manly charac- 
ter. I wish to mention one interesting circumstance which he related to 
me, as showing the power of good example in men of high station in the 
world. He told me that the first impression he received of the truth and 
excellence of the Catholic religion, was received from witnessing the 
admirable life of that accomplished Christian gentleman and soldier, Cap- 
tain Garesche, to whose Company he had belonged." 

History and Description of the Order of the Knights 
OF the Golden Spur, or of St. Sylvester. 

We learn from the testimony of Eusebius of Cesarea, a con- 
temporary and friend of Coustantine the Great, that after his 
victory over Maxentius he ordered that fifty of the most noble 
Roman Knights should form a special guard to bear, honor, and 
defend in the Army the Imperial Labarum: and they constituted 
a special equestrian imperial order, (Eusebii Pamphili Caesarentis 
De Vita Constantini Magni, lib. 2.). Their special ensign was 
a golden neck-chain or collar, to which was suspended either a 
cross, or a medal with a cross, or the monogram ^, which repre- 
sents the first two letters of XPI2'TO- (Christos), the Greek 
term for Christ. In the medals of Constantine he is sculptured, 
now with the cross and again with the monogram on his breast, 
an evident sign that he himself used this decoration. 

This equestrian order, together with the Labarum (the imperial 
banner bearing a cross that Coustantine had made after he beheld 

the luminous cross in the sky) was suppressed by Julian the apos- 

31 



482 BIOORAPHY OF 

tate ; but Jovian, his successor, restored both the cross and tlie 
order, and they were constantly kept in honor by the succeeding 
Emperors, from two of whom, Theodosius II and Justinian, they 
received great privileges. 

The Order was called by different names, as for example: 

Order of aSI Sylvester, because it is thought that Constantine 
had the neck-chain with the cross put on the Knights by Pope 
St. Sylvester, 

Order of Constantine, because this Emperor instituted it, 

Order of the Sjjur, or Order of the Golden Spur, because 
these privileged Knights wore each a golden spur. 

Order .of the Golden Knights (Equites Aurati) on account of 
the golden neck-chain and spur they wore. 

Order of the Angelio Knights (Angel ici Equites), from a tra- 
dition that the Angels appeared to Constantine the Great ; but 
this is not so well grounded. 

Finally, it bore the name of Equites Torquati (Collared 
Knights), from the collar or neck-chain worn by them. 

This Order was secular, but blessed and approved by the 
Popes, and originated from the miraculous apparition of the 
Cross to Constantine; and under this secular form, together 
with the Labarum, it was kept up in the Imperial army, in the 
Greek empire, up to the XII century, as is proved by the 
medals and other documents. 

Under the Emperor Isaac Coranenus (XII -century) the Order 
underwent a radical change. It became a military monastic one : 
monks under the rules of St. Basil the Great in time of peace : 
and soldiers against the Turks on the field of battle. Its scope 
of action was enlarged ; for its members had to defend the 
Labarum, and besides this to defend the Christians against the 
Mohammedans. Their membership was extended to all those 
noble Knights, who were willing and worthy to embrace the 
Order. They were required to make solemn vows of Chastity, 
Obedience, and Death for the defence of Christians. Then 
without renouncing their old names they adopted tiiis other as 
their distinctive appellation — Knights of St. George — because at 
this period St. George appeared very often in a visible manner 
to the Christian soldiers, protecting them against the Turks. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 483 

The Eiuperor Isaac Angelas Coninenus was their restorer, inas- 
much as he put into better condition the old Order instituted by 
Constantine; and he is also called the Institutor or Founder of 
the Sacred Militia of St. George, because as a religious order it 
was rather a new institution, than the simple continuation of 
the old Order of Constantine. The Princes of the Imperial 
Family of the Comneni were by right the Grand Masters or 
Generals of this Military Order up to the year 1697, when the 
last of the family of the Comneni in Venice transmitted his 
rights over the Order to Francis I (of the Farnese family), 
Duke of Parma, and to his descendants with the approval of 
the Emperor Leopold and Pope Innocent XII. The predeces- 
sors of this Pontitf had since the XII century all approved this 
new Military Religious Order, and many of them had granted 
it favors, privileges, and protection, as for example, Popes Julius 
III, Calixtus III, Pius II, Paul II, Sixtus IV, Innocent VIII, 
Paul III, Paul IV, Pius IV, Sixtus V, and Clement VIII. 

These two Orders must be carefully distinguished, because 
from Constantine the Great to Isaac Comneuus the Order was 
only a secular Order of laymen, a pure military company of 
the highest rank, an organization of honor, grounded on a 
religious idea, but imposing no religious obligation on its 
members: but thereafter it became a true religious community 
of soldiers, bound to shed their blood for the defence of the 
Christian faith, and living under the most severe monastic 
discipline, both in their cloisters, when not actually fighting, or 
on the field of battle, when they put off their monastic habits 
and clad themselves in brilliant armor. 

After the great victories of the Christians over the Turks at 
Vienna, in Hungary, and at Lepanto, the Turkish power was 
so broken as to render unnecessary the military monastic Orders. 
Accordingly they began, little by little, to decay, and one after 
another died out, until the great Revolution of this, our century, 
swept them all away. Cloisters with religious soldiers first 
became empty, and after that were converted into the mansions 
of some noble family. Still the two Chiefs of the Order — the 
Pope and the Princes of Parma — continued to enroll names, but 
no more as members of a religious community, only as a reward 



484 BIOGRAPHY OF 

to excellent Catholics for their merits and deeds. With that 
these Knights ceased to constitute a religious community and 
returned to their first origin of a Secular Equestrian Order. To 
put this Order, thus changed, into greater consideration, Pope 
Gregory XVI issued the Bulla, or Apostolic Letter, of the 31st 
of October, 1841, in which, after having exposed the desire of 
the Holy See of rewarding true merit towards the Church and 
the Commonwealth, and how careful the Popes always were in 
this their duty, and for which principally the different Orders 
of Knights had been instituted, he says : 

"Among these Orders, as no one ignores, the Order of the Golden 3Iili- 
tia shines out for the antiquity of its origin, for the form of its institution, 
and for the distinction of its honor: because the opinion, certified to by 
many authors of great reliability, is now generally admitted that after, 
and on account of the vision of the luminous Cross, prodigiously apparent 
in the heavens, and glittering all around with splendor, which appeared 
to Constantine the Great ; and after his wonderful and most triumphant 
victory over that most wicked tyrant, Maxentius, he instituted this Ox-der, 
and Pope St. Sylvester, our Predecessor, approved it and himself decorated 
the Emperor Constantine with the insignia of the Oi'der. Hence it is that 
since the most ancient times this Equestrian Order has always been held 
in great honor by the Roman PontiflFs and the highest Princes, and its in- 
signia have been granted by the Roman Pontiffs to the most illustrious 
men in reward for their merits towards the Christian religion. 

" But as we know that the vicissitudes of events and of the times have 
caused this Order to degenerate from the old splendor of its dignity and 
public consideration, following the example of other Pontiffs, our Prede- 
cessors, we have resolved to recall it to its former nobility, nay even to 
extol it to greater honor. And as it appears to our mind that no others 
should be enrolled in it than those who, in addition to their exemplary 
honesty, probity, and zeal for Religion, strive by generous efforts to de- 
serve well of the Catholic Commonwealth, either with their excellence in 
Literature, the Sciences, or Fine Arts, or with a most careful and exact 
compliance with the duties of the Sacred, Civil, or Military offices entrusted 
to them, we think it most becoming to the Holy See that this Order be 
raised to the very highest honor, so that men endowed with such deserv- 
ing merits obtain their reward and thus be spurred on more and more to 
illustrious deeds. 

" Therefore, by this Letter, with the plenitude of our Apostolic author- 
ity, we forever decree and will that this Order, keeping its ancient name 
of the Golden Militia, be divided into two classes, namely, the Commanders 
and Knights, who shall wear the golden collar, the sword, and the golden 
spurs, and shall enjoy all the rights and privileges with which the Order 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 485 

has been enriched to the present time, except only such as were abolished 
by the Council of Trent." 

In coDclusion His Holiness gives a description of the Cross to 
be worn (which is described in the accompanying insignia of the 
Order), and makes many special remarks about those who had 
usurped the right of distributing this Knighthood, or who had 
previously obtained it fraudulently or illegally, and his Letter 
finishes with the ordinary formulas of all Apostolic Letters 
which are necessary for the perpetuity and validity of the Pon- 
tifical Decree. 

After this, and on account of this new restoration of the 
Order by him, the Knighthood of the Golden Spur, or of St. 
Sylvester, came into the greatest honor and is ever since an 
object of the greatest ambition and pride of the most distin- 
guished Catholics throughout the world. 

The Order, as stated in the Apostolic Letter, comprises two 
classes : the Commanders, to the number of One hundred and 
fifty; and the Knights, numbering Three hundred. 

The Insignia consist of an octangular Cross, composed of 
four double-pointed rays in white enamel, bordered with gold, 
and between each ray a one-pointed one in gold. In the centre 
of the Cross there is represented in gold an effigy of the Sover- 
eign Pontiff, St. Sylvester, on a field of enamelled blue, with this 
exergue, " St. Sylvester, P. M." (Pontifex Maximus) ; and on 
the reverse side, on a golden circle, are inscribed these words, 
" Gregorius XVI restituit," and in the centre, on a field of 
enamelled blue, the date, " MDCCCXLI." To the lower white 
enamelled ray there is attached a little golden spur with a turn- 
ing rowel, emblematic of the Order. 

The ribbon supporting the Cross is divided into five bands, 
three narrow red ones and two wide black ones. 

The Commanders wear the Decoration suspended from the 
neck, and the Knights on the left side of the chest. 

The costume of the members is composed of a dress coat of 
scarlet cloth, with two rows of concave golden buttons, placed 
parallel and at an equal distance, each row containing nine but- 
tons. The collar is straight and cut so as to represent the form 



486 BIOGRAPHY OF 

of a lieart wlien the uniform is buttoned up. The wrist-bands 
are round and they and the collar are both of dragon green 
cloth, and are both of them adorned at the ends with gold 
embroidery representing an ornament of olive leaves. The flap 
in the rear, or coat-tail, is horizontal and trimmed on each side 
Avith three golden concave buttons similar to those on the breast ; 
and at the foot of the flap, or tail, is a military trophy likewise 
embroidered in gold. 

The pantaloons are of white cassimere with lateral borders or 
stripes of gold lace, two inches wide. 

The hat is double pointed and raised in the middle in a 
circular curve, bordered with white feathers: a knot of four 
rows of twisted gold thread crosses vertically the pontifical 
cockade (white and yellow) ; and golden tassels are attached to 
the two extreme points of the hat. 

The sw'ord is straiglit, with a hilt of mother of pearl bearing 
a silver star on tiie guard, representing the Cross of the Order, 
and the sword-knot is of golden galloon ending with two golden 
tassels like those on the hat. 

The epaulets are of polished golden galloon, with a frame of 
metal of golden scales ; and above this frame is placed a silver 
star, similar to the one on the guard of the sword. 

A gold collar falls over the breast, on which hangs the decora- 
tion of the Order, according to the pattern. 

The belt is of varnished black leather. 

Low boots, also of varnished black leather, with gold spurs, 
complete the beautiful costume. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 487 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

Additional letters and statements of many of Julius' relatives, friends, 

and of others. 

As Mariquitta's Father remarks in the ^'■Courrier des Mats 
Unis," iiDcler date of January 5th, 1863, speaking of Julius' 
death and of the emotions of sincere sorrow which it produced 
in St. Louis as well as elsewhere : — 

" Un honime fort et marohant inflexiblenient dans la voie de I'honneur 
et du devoir vient d'etre s'enleve <\ son pays, :\ sa famille. Au milieu des 
ruines qui s'amoncelent rapidement autour de nous, il est des calamit^s 
plus profondes que les autres, et dont les effets moins appai-ents ii la sur- 
face ne laissent des vides que plus irr6parables dans la societe qui meme 
;\ son insu pent gtre, profite de ces anies nobles et 6nerglques pour le bien. 
Leur influence secrfete n'attire que peu I'attention; niais I'atmosphere 
qu'elles entretiennent autour d'elles, n'est pas moins d'un puissant et bon 
effet pour tons. Peu remarques de leur vivant, ces hommes fermes et 
invariables dans leurs principes, k leur dechs attirent, k eux toute sym- 
patliie et de serieus regrets. 

"Tel est celui mort dans les rangs de I'arm^e federale le 31 D6cerabre 
au matin, le Colonel Julius P. Garesche, chef d'etat-major du General 
Rosecrans. Les papiers publics diront dans quelles circonstances, la mort 
a fra])pe ce mllitaire sans peur et sans reproche ; mais pour apprecier ce 
qu'il fut pendant toute sa carrifere, nous en appelons aux sentiments qu'il 
a su inspirer k ceux qui I'ont connu, dans chacune des stations oCi I'avait 
place son devoir." 

Translation. 

" A man valiant and walking inflexibly in the path of honor and duty 
has just been carried away from his country, from his family. 

" In the midst of the ruins, which are being rapidly piled up around us, 
there are some calamities greater than others and whose effects, less appa- 
rent on the surface, nevertheless leave gaps which are more irreparable in 
society, which even without knowing it, profits by these noble and ener- 
getic souls. Their secret influence attracts but little attention ; but the 
atmosphere which they carry about them is not the less of a powerful and 
salutary effect upon all. But little remarked during their life, after their 
death these men, who have been firm and unwavering in their principles, 
attract the sympathy and sincere sorrovr of every one. 



488 BIOGRAPHY OF 

" Such a man is the one whose death occurred in the Federal Array on 
the morning of the 31st of December — Colonel Julius P. Garesch§, Chief 
of Staff to General Rosecrans. The newspapers will tell in what manner 
Death seized this soldier, without fear and toithout reproach; but to appre- 
ciate fully what he was throughout his whole career we must appeal to 
the feelings he inspired in those who have known him in each one of the 
stations where he had discharged his duty," 

So I will here close Julius' grand, noble and sainted life by 
introducing the following additional letters, and extracts of 
letters — expressive of their appreciation of him — from many of 
his relatives, friends and others. They indicate in general terms 
the lasting impression he made upon the minds of all who ever 
came in contact with him or simply knew of him by reputation. 

Julius' brother Alexander says — January 2, 1880 : — 

"Few men are there like my brother: so scrupulously honest, that for 
his private correspondence he would not use the stamps or even the paper 
of the Government: — so charitable, that as a member of the St. Vincent 
de Paul Society he has been known in the hovel of the black, to hold the 
basin Avhile the poor patient vomited : — so pious, that if he awoke in the 
night, he Avould not, no matter how severe the weather, go to sleep without 
first kneeling to say a short prayer : — so brave, that his only cowardice 
was the fear that he Avould not prove courageous: — so humble, that when 
tendered a Brigadier General's commission during the "War, he declined it, 
because he had never seen the Field and might prove unfit for the respon- 
sibility. At School in boyhood : later at College and at West Point : and 
still later, when grown to manhood : in a word, through his whole life, he 
was a model. And I, who knew him intimately, and thus obtained 
glimpses of his interior life, know what a grand character he was." 

Mariquitta's Father further remarks — January 6, 1880 : — 

"At several periods we lived under the same roof with Julius, in the 
most perfect intimacy, and thus learned to appreciate the great qualities 
of the husband of ray daughter; but nothing salient occurred which could 
bring into prominence those qualities, of which modesty and sweetness 
constituted the base. 

"An exemplary Catholic at all times, his Faith had its origin in a sin- 
cerity of conviction which nothing could disturb. Ilis constant piety was 
only equalled by the serenity which never failed him, in his intercourse 
with the family. 

" Moreover, he never dilated upon the good he did in secret. Between 
God and hiraself there, doubtless, occurred many a good deed of which the 
world knew nothing. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. OARESCHE. 489 

"We know, however, with certainty that, while he was in garrison at 
Brownsville, Texas, at the period when the Yellow Fever was raging there, 
Julius devoted himself, unreservedly, to the care of the sick, seized with 
that disease, and that no consideration of family interests checked his zeal 
in this respect, and that his exertions were interrupted only when he him- 
self was attacked by the same dread calamity, which well-nigh proved 
fatal to him." 

Mariquitta's Mother says— March 2, 1883 :— 

"I loved Julius dearly, and he felt a sincere affection for me also, but 
he was so humble, that really I can say nothing to put into a book. His 
life with us was that of a fervent Christian, good father, good husband, 
and good son, full of kind attentions for all. But his life was ordinary, 
for he did not like people to speak of him." 

Julius' Cousin, Dr. Win, V. Keatiug, of Philadelphia, 
says : — 

" I knew him, as a young man, always the upright, conscientious youth, 
the precursor of his after life, always fulfilling all the mandates of his 
Church, even under the greatest disadvantages, and when it seemed to 
others almost an impossibility." 

Julius' Cousin, Dr. Jerome K. Bauduy of St. Louis, says : — 

"In my humble opinion he was the most perfect character I ever met. 
Truly he was '■ sans peur et sans reproche.'' " 

Julius' Brother-in-law, Judge Robert A. Bakewell of St. 
Louis, says : — 

" I have always cherished the memory of Julius Garesche as that of one 
of the few really excellent laymen in America whom it has been my privi- 
lege to know intimately. 

" What made Julius different from the ordinary run of laymen was, I sup- 
pose, the degree to which he had overcome human respect. He did not seem 
to care what people thought of him, seemed not to be thinking at all of 
the construction which might be placed upon his actions. This was what 
particularly struck me about him, and it was very edifying, this uncon- 
sciousness of self, which I esteem a very gracious quality, and one not 
often found outside of religious communities. I have seen him in a car- 
riage on one of our principal streets in that old army overcoat of his, say- 
ing his beads. 

" He was the type of a Christian soldier ; brave, honest, and kind to the 
poor, to the weak and to children ; he could be very grave and very gay, 
and had all the marks of a man of great innocence of life, who always 
retains a great deal of the child about him to the last." 



490 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Father Daniel Lynch, S. J., of Gonzaga College, Washington 
D. C, Julius' great friend, writes thus to Mariquitta, January 
21, 1863:— 

"I have felt so uneasy about you s<ince I pai'ted with you in the cars on 
Monday evening. I saw how unfit you were to take that long and weary 
journey. Still I hope that you have gone through it more safely than I 
dared to hope when I saw you start. My anxiety fur you, my own cliild, 
by dividing my feelings, has made me feel less the great loss we have all 
met with. While you were here, and I had so much to do, I could not 
feel as I would have felt had there been nothing to call off my attention 
from the bitterness of grief which this blow has occasioned. Though, 
God knows, that even as it was I felt bitterly enough. I shall never feel 
so again for another. For I shall never love another as I loved him. It 
is only once in life we can hope to meet with such a man. From the 
moment in which I first broke to you this sad news up to the hour in 
which I bade you good-bye, I did not pretend to give you a word of con- 
solation. I had none to give. And I have none now. All I can say is 
that perhaps after you I loved him best, and after. you, I feel his loss the 
most. With my own heart ready to break all I can do is to sympathize 
with you in your irreparable loss. How much I have felt with you you 
have seen yourself. 

" On Tuesday afternoon I went to Mount Olivet. I superintended in 
person the removal of your two little angels, and I did not quit the ground 
until the last piece of clay was laid on their resting y)laco and the stones 
at their head and feet were put in their proper places. Edgar lies on one 
side of his Father and Laur6al on the other. I have given orders that as 
soon as the weather will permit the place shall be sodded, and all fixed 
just as I know you would have it were you here yourself. Edgar's out- 
side case was considerably decayed, but the coffin was perfectly sound. 
Laur6al's case was as sound as when first laid in tiie grave, and of course 
the coffin must have been equally so, though I did not see. We cai-ried 
them carefully and quietly and laid them in their new graves. Over the 
spot in which they and their Father rest I shall watch with all the care 
and affection that you would look for in one who loved your husband as I 
did. When I am not here Mrs. Talbot and my sister and her family will 
take my place ; but, wherever I may be, I will take measures as long as I 
live that all shall be well cared for. 

"Wherever I go and whomsoever I meet I am loaded with kind and 
sympathizing inquiries about you, my own dear child. I have been 
touched to the heart by the depth and sincerity of the feeling shown for 
you in every quarter. I was pleased with this for your sake, my own 
child, but still more gratified in the tribute which this sympathy pjxys to 
the worth of him you have lost. For all feel that yours is a loss that few 
women can meet with. 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 491 

" I did not go to the sale. I could not do that. It would be more than I 
could stand. There was too much in that house to remind me of you and 



Mr. Richard H. Clarke of New York City, formerly Presi- 
dent of the Conference of St. Matthew's parish and afterwards 
of the Particular Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul 
in Washington, says — August 1883 : — 

" I knew your father, Colonel Julius P. Garesch6, very intimately while 
he and I resided at Washington, up to the time he left for the field of 
battle. He was one of the most gentlemanly and refined men I ever 
knew. Ilis character and conduct were shaped after the most perfect 
Christian modesty. lie was so unafi'ectedly simple, upright, and gifted, 
that he would be equally at home among his social equals and among the 
humblest and poorest, and among the most powerful of the world. He 
knew how to practice Charity to the poor in temporal goods and to the 
poor in spiritual goods, however rich, or powerful, or wicked they might 
be. Foi', like our Saviour, he loved the sinner, while he detested sin ; he 
would stop at nothing to save the criminal while he detested his crime. 
He Avas noble in the true sense of the term. He escaped honors by throw- 
ing them on others less worthy, and but for his own efforts he would have 
been elected President of the Conferences of St. Vincent de Paul, and 
would have escaped, if he could, being President of a single Conference. 
But it was not in order to avoid the work, for of this he always did more 
than his share. 

" He was most aifectionate and attentive to a little daughter of his who 
was a cripple, and was often seen pulling or pushing the little carriage in 
which she rode out to get the air. 

"While discharging Bureau work of the War Department he shielded 
absent ofiicers in the South from unjust or cruel treatment at the hands of 
fanatical military superiors ; and blood shed in the late Civil War seemed 
to rend his heart. 

" He was extremely modest and retiring. He was far above the mili- 
tary standard in the accomplishments of his pi'ofession, and had the bear- 
ing of a soldier and gentleman in an eminent degree. 

" He had a lofty, upright and military walk, I'Upid and agile. He never 
used an umbrella in the severest storms, supposing it was not soldier-like. 
His friendship was most true and unaffected, and I think the only limits 
he put on his goodness to others were such as conscience or duty required. 
He was a true and loyal son of the Church, and I believe he would not 
have shrunk from shedding his blood for his faith. 

"I do not remember how he was disposed towards amusements, such as 
hunting, fishing, &c., but I think he enjoyed social reunions, without 
being a man of the world or of society, and I think in his charity he 



492 BIOGRAPHY OF 

would give his time and labor to contribute to the enjoyment or health of 
the poor. 

" It has been twenty years since I saw him. I cannot recall fiicts or 
incidents. I knew his character more than his acts. I think he was skil- 
ful in concealing his good deeds. He was very devout, but at the same 
time cheerful and mirthful. He was one of the most conscientious men I 
ever knew. 

" Whenever there was a procession of the Blessed Sacrament at St. 
Matthew's Church, he was selected, together -with General Charles P. 
Stone of the Army, myself, and I think Major John F. Lee of the Army, 
to cari'y the canopy over the Blessed Sacrament. AVe performed this act 
in full dress, white gloves, &c., and I always noticed your Father's devo- 
tion on these occasions. His frequency in receiving the Sacraments and 
his devout manner in church were worthy of a Saint. I was among those 
who received his remains at Washington, and never saw such respect paid 
from the heart to any mortal remains. His body was carried from the 
d^pot to St. Aloysius' Church, where myself and other members of the 
Society of St. Vincent de Paul kept unceasing vigil, day and night, until 
after the funeral. I was present when your Mother came into the Sanc- 
tuary and first saw the coffin after his return, a corpse. We were informed 
that his head was shattered to pieces and through respect and unwillingness 
to see him so mutilated, it was agreed on all hands that the coffin should 
not be opened and that no one should see him. Rev. Daniel Lynch, S. J., 
was his special friend among the clergy. As President over all the Con- 
ferences of St. Vincent de Paul's Society in Washington, I immediately 
called them togetlier and announced his death in poor words of eulogy and 
all present had a word of praise. Your Uncle, Alexander Garesch6, and 
Father Lynch and Father Walter were present." 

Mrs. William E. Dougherty, then Miss Carrie Hickey, of 
Washington, a great friend of Mariquitta's sister, Oetavie, and 
a frequent visitor at the house, says, — December 8, 1884 : — 

" While it is a pleasing but sad task to recall every trait of your noble 

Father's character, I fear that it is a useless effort on my part to attempt 

even a brief notice of that perfect type of Christian manhood. Useless, 

for, 

" ' To those who knew him not, no words can paint ! 

And those who knew him, know all words are faint.' 

Deeply impressed with the truth of these words, I scarcely dare consent to 
a request so worthy of your affectionate heart, and so accordant on your 
part, with filial duty. 

" It is with feelings of the tenderest emotion, I recall those years of my 
life, when it was my happiness to be honored by your Father's friendship. 
llis gracious words and acts, flash across my memory in quick succession, 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 493 

and yet, in vain, can I attempt to do justice to that large and noble heart, 
which was the source of all those kindly words and deeds. 

" General Garesch^ was the soul of honor, purity, and courage ; perhaps 
God alone knew the extreme purity of his soul ; but modest as he was to 
conceal those noble traits, with which his heart overflowed ; all who knew 
him, in private, or in public life, in camp, or on the battle-field, will with 
one accord pronounce him a perfect Christian, and, in one word, a man 
' sans peur, et sans reproche.^ Had it been deemed fit in the decrees of 
the Almighty, to have spared your dear Father to his country, what a 
noble example he would have been to the rising generation. 

" In this age of restlessness, when a passion for temporal gain seems to 
have taken possession of us, like some dread plague, how refreshing would 
it have been, to have contemplated his calm, pure, and loving character, 
standing, as it were, on a rock, midst the raging billows tossing to and 
fro, and lashing its surface, yet leaving him as undisturbed as 'tenfold 
adamant.' 

" The name of General Garesch^ is written in History, and his memory 
embalmed in the hearts of all those who had the happiness of knowing 
him personally. Those among us who had the privilege of enjoying his 
hospitality, remember your accomplished and lovely Mother, whose gentle 
influence diS'used itself throughout her blessed household, like the falling 
of the pure soft light, felt but not heard ; those sweet influences wafted 
around that noble heart, and helped to sustain and comfort it. Yet even 
in this Christian home, where alone peace is found, the sad truth was to 
be realized that 'All earthly joys are transient,' though in God's mercy 
the future is veiled from us. 

" Relentless war desolated our land, (and dare I say) our hearts, and 
General Garesche was ordered to the battle-field. The sacrifice was re- 
quired, and the ofi'ering was made, with a full sense of its worth. He 
obeyed with a calm devotion, like that which wins the martyr's crown. 
After many sad adieus, to which I was an eye-witness, he parted from all 
he loved. — Alas I never again to behold the faithful companion of his life, 
or the beloved children of his heart. What unspeakable anguish over- 
whelmed your honored Mother, when too soon, the news flashed across the 
wires, that her noble husband had fallen on the battle-field : that all the 
warm throbbings of his noble heart Avere hushed, — forever. No wonder 
strong men wept in the War Department the day they heard that Julius 
Garesch6 lay dead upon the field of Murfreesboro ; no wonder the light 
went out from your dear Mother's heart, never to return, as in anguish she 
knelt .at the foot of the cross : but such feelings are too sacred to be fath- 
omed ; there is One only who understands the delicacy, the sanctity of our 
unveiled souls, to Him alone must the most sacred confidences of our hearts 
be given. The Saviour whom he daily received in Holy Communion, did 
not desert the widowed heart in those hours of grief, but strengthened her 
to say, ' Thy will be done !' 



494 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"The Countr}' lias lost many gifted men, and noble soldiers, but none 
more gifted, more noble, more heroic than General Garesche." 

Colonel C. L. Best, 4th U. S. Artillery, says — October 9, 
1884:— 

" My personal acqnaintance with your Father was very limited, and 
even that a long time ago. I can say this much, however, that what I did 
know and learn of him was of the purest and higliest order of respect and 
admiration for his qualities of officer, gentleman, and Christian, at all 
times, and in every situation. And this seemed to be the conceded 
opinion of every one I have ever conversed with concerning him." 

General Thomas L. Crittenden, retired, Major General of 
Volunteers and commanding the Left Wing of the Army of 
the Cumberland, or 14th Array Corps, at Murfreesboro, says, — 
June 25, 1883 :— 

" Although on the field where your Father was killed, and with the rank 
and command of a Major General, yet I was so unfortunate as to have no 
personal acquaintance with him. 

" I say unfortunate, because I deem it a misfortune to have been so near 
a man so noble as Col. Garesch6 was, by the universal testimony of all 
who had the pleasure of knowing him, and wlio have talked of him in my 
hearing, and not to have known him myself." 

General Abner Doubleday, U. S. A., retired, says — June 22, 
1883:— 

"I am glad that a biographical sketch of your father is to be published, 
but I regret that I cannot furnish any special incidents of his career, which 
would interest the general public. I can only testify to the high apprecia- 
tion in which he was held by all his comrades; his polished and courtly 
manners, his great erudition, the purity of his character, his high sense of 
honor, his deep religious feeling, tempered by mirthfulness and a keen 
sense of humor, made him at all times a rejjresentative man in the Army 
and a general favorite." 

General James B. Fry, U. S. A., retired, late Colonel in the 
Adjutant General's Corps, and successor to Julius in the War 
Department, says, — October 6, 1884 : — 

" I had the most profound respect and sincere regard for your Father, 
based upon his general reputation in the Army and a short but gratifying 
personal acquaintance with him. I esteemed him most highly as one of 
the ablest of our officers and purest of men. I never saw him that I re- 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 495 

member of till the Spring of 18G1, when he was on duty in the Adjutant 
General's Office, where I served as a junior for a month or so. Then I 
Avent to the Army in Virginia, May 1861, and in November, 1861, from 
there to the Army in Kentucky, where I remained until October, 1862. 
Your Father went to that Army to take the place I left, but I had started 
before he arrived and did not see him." 

General U. S. Grant says— June 15, 1883 :— 

" I would not be able to write of my own personal knowledge any thing 
that would be of advantage in the biographical sketch of Colonel Garesch6 
that j'ou ask. The accidents of service have not brought us together that 
I remember of since his graduation at West Point in 1841. I being two 
years after him at the Military Academy, our personal acquaintance was 
very limited. It would be impossible, therefore, for me to say any thing 
from personal knowledge, but I know that he enjoyed the hest of reputa- 
tion at the Military Academy and also as an officer of the Army." 

General O. D. Greene, Major and Assistant Adjutant General, 
U. S. A., says,— June 22, 1883 :— 

"I am in receipt of yours of the 11th inst. 

" In reply, it is a source of profound regret to me that I did not have 
the honor of personal acquaintance with your distinguished and lamented 
Father. I never met him but once, and then for a moment only, and that 
meeting was unmarked by any incident worth recording in his Memoirs. 
His reputation at that time in the service (1861) for high professional 
attainments and for the possession of all the qualities of mind and heart 
which make the perfect Soldier and Gentleman, was so great as to make 
me feel it a high honor to shake hands with hira and receive his congrat- 
ulations upon my entry into his selected Corps of the service, viz : the 
Adjutant General's Department. 

" In common with all other young officers of that day I desired and 
designed to emulate his attainments and virtues if only at a remotely 
humble distance. 

" I have not succeeded even in that modest ambition, but have felt it as 
a consolation that it is given to only one in many millions to be a Julius 
Garescli6J'' 

General Schuyler Hamilton, Major General of Volunteers, 
says — September 22, 1884: — 

" I regret I cannot give you any information as to the services of your 
honored Father, Julius P. Garesch6. 

" In Mexico, I was closely confined by my duties as Aide-de-Camp to 
General Scott, and was early wounded nearly unto death August 13, 1847. 

" I met him when he was Adjutant General to General Rosecrans. But 



496 BIOGRAPHY OF 

except a cordial interchange of kind regards we had no special communi- 
cation. It is perhaps superfluous for me to add that as Cadet and Officer 
he was honored and esteemed for his high character and also for his retir- 
ing modesty." 

Major General AVinfiekl S. Hancock, U. S. A., says, — April 
17,1883:— 

" I cannot give you satisfactory replies to all your questions, but I am 
glad of an opportunity to state that Major Garesch6 was a most gallant 
officer ; intelligent, active, cool and brave. That when he lost his life the 
Country was deprived of a most valuable public servant, and the military 
service of one of its best Officers." 

Brigadier General O. O. Howard, U. S. A., says — July 7, 
1883 :— 

" Curiously enough your excellent Father and myself never happened to 
serve together. What I know of him, and that is especially to his credit, 
I know simply by hearsay. He was reported in the Army to be an Officer 
devoted to duty, remarkably correct in conduct, and a devoted Christian 
gentleman." 

General Albion P. Howe, U. S. A., retired, late Colonel 4th 
U. S. Artillery, says, — September 15, 1884: — 

"Your late Father was a Class-mate of mine, and after graduation, he 
was assigned to the 4th Artillery with me, with two other members of the 
class — Fahnestock and Garnett. Fahnestock is now in Washington, and 
Garnett was killed, in the Rebel service, at Carrick's Ford in Virginia. 

" Some six months I served at the same Post with your Father, imme- 
diately after leaving AVest Point. After that we did not have the same 
station, but were in the same regiment, until he was transferred. The 
AVar Department records, which you, of coui-se, have access to, give his 
full official record, and, if they are correct, they will show a faithful, gal- 
lant and honorable record throughout. Through the four j-ears at AVest 
Point I was immediately associated with him in our daily duties there and 
became intimately acquainted with him. And the more I knew of him in 
all of his long service, the stronger Avas my respect and friendship for him. 
He was a man of rare intellectual powers, a Avell balanced mind, positive 
in his views, strong in his convictions, resolute in purpose, studious in his 
habits, and gentle and unassuming in his manners. One of the most con- 
scientious and devoted Catholics in his religion I have ever known, with 
an abundance of Charity for every one, and always accessible to all, and a 
kind friend to every one whom he could assist. lie was thoroughly unsel- 
fish, warmly attached to his friends, and always bore himself with a high 
sense of honor. He was proud of his profession and devoted himself to 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 497 

it with cbivalric gallantry, and in his death the Army lost one of its 
strongest and noblest characters." 

General Richard W. Johnson, U. S. A., retired, says — June 
19, 1883:— 

" My acquaintance with the late Colonel Julius P. Garesche was formed 
amid the stirring scenes of the late war, he occupying the responsible posi- 
tion of Chief of Staif for General W. S. Rosecrans. My brief acquaintance 
ripened into friendship as I had an opportunity of studying his character. 
He was devoted to his profession and made the science of war a deep study. 
Few men in the Army had so thorough a knowledge of history, literature 
and science. He was deeply concerned in the outcome of the struggle in 
which we were engaged and his best efforts were put forth in the cause of 
his country which lie loved so dearly. Colonel Garesche was a close stu- 
dent, retiring, and with an humble disposition made so by his devout piety. 
The poor were always sure to receive not only his sympathy, but substan- 
tial aid to the extent of his ability to confer it. No one could converse 
with him ten minutes without his making reference to his family, the 
members of which he loved better than himself. In a word, he was truly 
a Christian man and bore the fruits thereof in an eminent degree. His 
■personal courage and daring were ever conspicuous when circumstances 
called them forth. Modest, retiring, and diffident in social intercourse, in 
war he was like the thunderbolt. I shall never forget the day of his death. 
When the news came around to us that Garesche had been killed, all felt 
that a loss had been inflicted not only upon our Army but also upon the 
entire service. It may be truly said of him : ' He was the very heau ideal 
of a perfect Christian and chivalrous officer and gentleman.' " 

General C. L. Kilburn, U. S. A., retired, says — June 18, 
1883:— 

"Whilst not intimate with your highly, and deservedly esteemed Father, 
Colonel Garesche, I yet can testify, from personal knowledge, dating back 
to West Point, in 1838, and subsequent instances of Service with him in 
diflferent parts of our Country and Mexico, to his great modesty of chax*- 
acter, his high sense of honor, and his devotion at all times, and under all 
circumstances, to his duty. 

'* A gentleman of strict, and honorable integrity, he lived a blameless 
life, and died, greatly regretted by his very many friends, and to the irre- 
parable loss of his Country." 

Col. Richard G. Lay, of Washington, late of the U. S. A., 
says — February 12, 1883: — 

" I regarded your dear Father as ray best and truest friend. If he has 
not a high place in Heaven I think there is a poor chance for us all. 

32 



498 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Colonel Garesche was the truest and most consistent man and Christian I 
ever saw." 

General George B. McClellau says — June 27, 1883: — 

"As my acquaintance with Colonel Garesch6 was not sufficiently inti- 
mate to enable me to comply with your request, I regret my inability to 
assist you with any information regarding one whom I esteemed as highly 
as I did your Father." 

General E. O. C. Ord, U. S. A., then a Major General of 
Vols., in a letter to Marlquitta, dated April 7, 1863, says : — 

" There is no doubt but that the works of good men live long after they 
have left us. It is one of the happinesses of my life to have known your 
husband, and to think that he was my friend ; and with those pleasant 
memories come the thoughts of his family, the pleasant hours I have spent 
with you all, and the ties of his friendship and love, which are binding on 
all, would (even if I had not known you and respected you so much for 
your own sakes) have drawn us to each other." 

Captain John W. Phelps, formerly of the U. S. A., says, — 
August 25, 1884:— 

" Your Father was a gentleman of great probity of character, high-toned, 
disinterested, benevolent and accomplished. He was a scholai*, modest, 
manly and courageous in the performance of duty, whether military or 
Christian. He spoke French and Spanish fluently, and his letters in 
English were written in a style marked for elegance and clearness of dic- 
tion and elevation of sentiment. He was an excellent representative of 
the Latin race and education. 

" His simple quarters at Fort Brown, Texas, were made very attractive 
to me by the social amenities offered by both your parents. Your Mother's 
society, her gentle manners, her ready perception, her lively sensibility 
possessed all the charm that has marked the character of several most 
distinguished ladies who were natives, I believe, of the same Island from 
which your Mother came. Her happy bridal days, as I remember, were 
spent at Fort Brown, overshadowed, it is true, by the wing of the destroy- 
ing angel in the great Yellow Fever year of 1853, in which your Father, 
after the most generous efforts to relieve the suffering, lay at the point of 
death for a long time. But from that dark period your parents emerged 
into a brighter and more genial sphere of duty in Washington, to which 
the merits of your Father justly elevated him. From that time it was never 
my pleasure to meet with him again ; and it was only through the current 
history of the day, as narrated in the papers, that I learned of his tragical 
death in battle while occupying an important position in defense of the 
Government." 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 499 

Major General John C. Robinson, U. S. A., retired, says — 
June 18, 1883:— 

" Your Father and I were Cadets at the same time, but not in the same 
class. After his graduation our duties separated us widely and I saw but 
little of him. The last time we met, I think, was at Fort Brown, Texas, 
in 1855. I am, therefore, unable to answer your interrogatories as fully 
as I would like to. Your Father was so well known and admired by 
officers of the old Army that I think you will have no difficulty in obtain- 
ing all the information you desire. I have the pleasant remembrance of 
him as a gallant soldier who loved his profession, devout Christian, noble 
hearted, accomplished and courteous gentleman, whom I am proud to have 
counted among my friends." 

General Rufus Saxton, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster 
General, U. S. A., says— March 16, 1883:— 

" I was very much gratified by the receipt of your kind note. Your 
honored Father was my friend from the time I entered the 4th Artillery in 
1850, until he laid down his noble life for the country he loved and had 
served with rare fidelity and honor. I loved and honored him for the pos- 
session of all those qualities of mind and heart which made him a faith- 
ful and trusted friend, a perfect soldier, a brave and chivalrous gentleman, 
and a most faultless and loyal Christian character in every act and thought 
of his life, that I have known. I was the Judge Advocate of that Court 
Martial which was so profound a trial to his sensitive nature. The fact 
of my being so, prevents me from saying any thing about it, but I know 
all about it, and the only effect it had upon me, was to deepen the sym- 
pathy and respect I always had for your Father's own honorable character. 

" I left Fort Brown before the outbreak of the Yellow Fever. I saw 
but little of him after this, except for a few months when we were room- 
mates in Washington. 

" I have always been grateful that it was my privilege to have been so 
intimately associated with your Father, and to have retained his friendship 
and confidence. 

"Having lost all my papers during the late War, I can only write from 
memory ; and regret exceedingly that I cannot give moi*e dates and inci- 
dents. 

" You have, I know, a loving task before you. Tou can never write in 
too glowing terms of the fidelity, honor, and Christianity, of Colonel 
Julius P. Garesche." 

General E. P. Scammon, formerly of the U, S. A., says — 
August 27, 1884:— 

" I was not intimately acquainted with your excellent Father, though 
knowing him, as in College, the Seniors know Freshmen ; for I was in the 



500 BIOGRAPHY OF 

First or Senior Class when j'our gallant Father was in the Fourth or 
Freshman Class. My ' Plebe' and room-mate — the late Colonel J. W. 
Tiulor Gardiner of the Dragoons — was a class-mate and friend of your 
Father; and it was through their intimacy that I became personally 
acquainted with him. Again, I was quite intimate with the late Colonel W. 
W. S. Bliss of the Adjutant General's Department, who was the instructor 
of your Father, and from whom I heard much in praise, of the character 
and a})ilities of ' Cadet Garesche.' 

"All this was more than forty-seven years ago: and yet the memory of 
the high esteem in which he was held, has remained with me so distinctly 
impressed, that it is vexing to be unable to recall incidents that might 
serve to illustrate a character whose admirable qualities were as proverbial 
as those of the 'Chevalier sans2)cur et sans rcjyroche.'' " 

Major General John M. Schofield, U. S. A., says — June 23, 
1883:— 

"It Avas not my good fortune to have any personal acquaintance with 
Colonel Gai-esclie, and hence I can only speak of his reputation, both in 
and out of the Army, among our common friends and acquaintances. All 
give Iiim the very highest character as an officer, a gentleman and a devout • 
Christian, and my friends who knew him intimately cherish his memory 
with the most affectionate respect. 

" I am sure the simple story of your noble Father's pure life will prove 
a valuable contribution to American Biographies." 

Surgeon Ebenezer Swift, U. S. A., retired, says — June 1, 
1885:— 

" "When I first made the acquaintance of your Father he was a Lieuten- 
ant in the 4th U. S. Artillery, stationed at Point Isabel, Texas, during the 
AVinter of 1848 and 1849. He was performing the duties of Post Adjutant 
while I was on duty with a Company of the same Regiment at the Quarter 
Master's Depot at the Brazos Santiago and at the mouth of the Rio Grande. 
Captain Domingues' Spy Company, which had been mustered out of service 
at New Orleans, arrived at the former place bringing with it Asiatic 
Cholera in a most malignant form, which swept away a large portion 
of the native population and employes of the Quarter Master's Depot. 
Citizens of the place and passengers arriving on steamers from New Orleans 
were seized by this invisible foe and in less than a few hours' time died. 
During this trying period Lieutenant Garesch6 often visited the Hospitals 
and the sick, and by his cool and calm bearing did much towards allaying 
dread and apprehension and inspiring confidence in all. 

"In the Fall of 1862 he reported to General Rosecrans at Nashville, 
Tenn., and assumed the duties of Adjutant General and Chief of Staff of 
the Army of the Cumberland, and although I had with other Officers of 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 501 

the Staff about me asked for another assignment upon a change of Com- 
manders, I was induced to remain at his solicitation, telling me he was an 
utter stranger to that entire Army and much desired me to remain. I now 
saw Colonel Garesclie almost daily, but as all OfScers were busily employed 
in prepai'ations for a movement on the enemy, there was but little inter- 
course between us beyond what was required in our official positions. 
The Ai-my moved out of Nashville late in December and entrenched in 
force on the banks of Stone River near Murfreesborough. After some 
skirmishing throughout the day a general engagement was abruptly pre- 
cipitated on the foUovring morning, the 3lst of December, by the advanced 
position assumed by the Army Corps composing our extreme right. The 
attack of the enemy was fierce and unremitting, capturing and throwing 
in disorder and overwhelming almost the entire Right and pressing upon 
Sheridan, who doggedly yielded inch by inch of his position on the right 
of the Centre. At times the fiite of the day seemed to tremble in the bal- 
ance. Colonel Garesche and General Rosecrans were constantly in the 
fray, directing movements of troops and encouraging the men. Later in 
the day it bec-ame necessary for me to improvise field Hospitals from cedar 
boughs and such other material as I could procure for the protection of 
our many Avounded — our hospital tents and supplies having fallen into 
the hands of tlie enemy. While thus employed I saw the Colonel and 
General Rosecrans riding off briskly to the left of the line of battle, 
presumably in my mind with a view of bringing up reinforcements to the 
Centre. The look Avas accidental and transitory. Your Father was riding 
away from me, apparently stooping forwai'd in his saddle. I saw him but 
for an instant, and saw him no more — the spirit of the brave gentleman 
had at that moment winged its way to the realms of eternal peace ! 

" Colonel Gai'esch6 had no vices but many virtues ; cool, calm, and im- 
perturbable under fire ; in council wise ; in battle brave ; true to a friend 
and fast to a foe; an accomplished soldier, conscientious and untiring in 
the performance of duty, capable and honest, and but for his untimely 
taking off would have reached a place of great prominence in the Nation. 

"His last words to me Avere : 'Our Right has given way and Sheridan 
is hard pi-essed.' " 

General E. D. Townsend, U. S. A., retired, late Adjutant 
General of the Army, in his "Anecdotes of the Civil War," 
says the following of Julius : — 

"While commanding the Department of the Cumberland, in 1862, Gen- 
ei-al Rosecrans sent an urgent request that Colonel Garesche might be 
ordered to report to him. Garesch6 added his own wish to this solicita- 
tion, and he was ordered. He arrived in time to be of material assistance 
in organizing the army whicii, after varied fortunes, defeated Bragg at 
Stone River. In a brief dispatch from that battle-field, General Rosecrans 
said, ' We have to deplore the loss of Lieutenant-Colonel Garesche, whose 



502 BIOGRAPHY OF 

capacity and gentlemanly deportment had already endeared him to all the 
officers of this command, and whose gallantry on the field of battle excited 
their admiration/ 

"At the outbreak of the rebellion Col. Garesche was the senior Assist- 
ant in the Adjutant General's Office. In announcing his death to the 
officers of this Department the Adjutant General said: — 

" ' His ability and untiring industry have left their impress on the elab- 
orate records over which he presided ; and the universal and unfeigned 
regret at his loss, so freely expressed by all who came in contact with him, 
is a touching evidence of his value as an officer, and his worth as a man. 
Just and uncompromising in his official conduct, he was yet courteous, 
obliging, and affable. Possessing a chivalric spirit, with a high order of 
professional attainment, he hastened to embrace the first opportunity given 
him to enter on a more brilliant sphere of action, and reported to Major 
General Rosecrans as his chosen Chief of Staff, in time to render essential 
aid in organizing the Army with which the field of Murfreesboro was won. 
At a critical moment, on the 3lst of December, when the General, with 
his staff, dashed forward to restore the tide of battle, which was turning 
against our arms, ' the noble Colonel Garesche' was instantly killed by a 
cannon ball, 

" ' What lot can be more enviable to a soldier than his ! Of singularly 
spotless private char.actcr, foithful in the observance of his obligations as 
a Christian, and devoted in his leisure hours to the exercise of benevolent 
acts, honored and beloved in his profession, he died as a true hero, and is 
mourned with a depth and sincerity of grief not often betrayed.' 

" Garesch6 was a very devout Catholic, and full}' lived up to his profes- 
sions. There was no end to his unostentatious charities, which he usually 
performed after his tedious office-hours were over. lie started the Society 
of vSt. Vincent de Paul in AVashington, and was one of its most active 
members, visiting and ministering to the poor and the sick. It is related 
of him that, at the risk of his own life, he once held in his arms an infant 
belonging to a poor family, while a priest baptized it, though the child 
was ill of small-pox. 

"His remains were brought to Washington for interment. There they 
were honored with an imposing funeral, attended by an immense concourse. 
The ceremonies took place at St. Aloysius' Church. The presiding priest 
pronounced an eloquent eulogium upon him, in which he thus described 
his death : — 

" ' The battle, which had raged furiously, was going against our arms, 
and all seemed lost. Colonel Garesch6 had used almost suparhuman 
efforts to cheer on the troops, and, seeing that they were yielding ground, 
he retired for a brief space to some bushes, where he was perceived kneel- 
ing as in earnest prayer. It is believed that he then offered up his own 
life as a sacrifice, if God would give him the victory. lie fell, while at 
that moment the body and blood of his Lord was coursing through his 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 503 

General O. B. Willeox, Colonel 12th U. S. Infantry, says- 
September 23, 1884 :— 

" I knew General Garesche in the 4th Artillery, in -which regiment we 
served for some time, but never together — our two Companies being sepa- 
rated. But I had the pleasure of knowing him and your Mother through 
Col. Gardiner's family and by reputation. 

"General Garesche's reputation in the 4th Artillery was that of a high 
toned gentleman, a zealous, able, practical, and industrious Officer, and a 
devout Christian. 

" In the Civil AYar, while he served with such high distinction in the 
Army of the "West my own duties were performed in Virginia, Kentucky 
and East Tennessee, so that at this period I only knew him by reputation. 
My opinion was that he was one of the truest and ablest Generals produced 
by the great conflict." 

General Robert Williams, Colonel and Assistant Adjutant 
General U. S. A., says— June 17, 1883 :— 

"Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be able to describe 
fully a character such as your Father's, which so richly merited and 
received the respect of every one who knew him. Unfortunately my per- 
sonal acquaintance with him was limited. I knew him of course well by 
reputation, as indeed did the whole Army, but the time when I was 
brought into personal contact with him was short. I can therefore give 
you no incident of importance in his life or character which is not more 
known to others than to myself. I can only give you in general terms my 
idea of his character, and this I gladly do, although I fear it may not be 
of much assistance in proinoting the object you have in vicAv. To de- 
scribe fully the character of your Father, even without going into details, 
would need more than a simple letter affords. It is better therefore that 
I should say in a few words that a purer and more upright character I have 
never known. I have never met one which seemed to me a more perfect 
type of the true Christian, and certainly I have never known any one who 
in his daily life was more actuated by the desire to do his duty fully, 
kindly, and conscientiously to God and his fellow men than was your 
Father." 

General Thomas J. Wood, U. S. A., retired, says — June 24, 

1883:— 

" In reply to your letter, of the 18th inst., making inquiries relative to 
your noble and lamented father, the late Colonel Julius P. Garesche, 
U. S. A., I have to say our acquaintance commenced during the Mexican 
War, more than thirty-five years since. The acquaintance soon ripened 
into friendship and mutual esteem, which continued to the moment of his 
untimely death. 



504 BIOGRAPHY OF 

"The fact that, as subalterns, we belonged to different arms of service 
prevented much personal association, and precluded the possibility of 
learning his personal habits ; hence I must write of the impression he 
made on me rather than give particular facts. 

" So soon as I came to know your father well he impressed me as one 
of the purest, most sincere, gentlest, yet thoroughly manly persons I had 
ever met. His manliness was not the result of an exuberant physique, 
but was the result of his thorough integrity of character and his unfalter- 
ing convictions of duty in its broadest sense. 

"Your father's extreme catholicity of feelings and opinions always 
impressed me most forcibly. He was a churcliman without being a bigot. 

" His culture extended beyond the range of his profession, and was 
general ; especially was this true of his esthetical culture. His taste was 
refined and accurate. The happy blending of the moral and intellectual 
qualities in iiis character formed the finest type of the gallant and accom- 
plished soldier, the true and courteous gentleman, and the devoted Chris- 
tian. 

" I saw your father but once on that fatal 31st of December, 1862. The 
meeting was only a few moments before his lamented fall. Crossing tiie 
field in rear of the ' Left Wing' of our army in different directions, our 
paths intersected, and we exchanged greetings. In the sorest strait of a 
most terrific battle he was the same calm, quiet, serene, courteous, self- 
possessed soldier and gentleman I had ever found Iiim to be. 

"Appropriating the language of Mi-. Bright, uttered in the House of 
Commons on the occasion of the death of Mr, Cobden, ' no more gentle 
yet manly spirit ever tenanted or quitted mortal clay than Julius P. 
Garesch6.' " 

General Charles P. Stone, formerly of the U. S. A., and late 
Chief of Staff to the Khedive of Egypt and Lieut. General of 
his Armies, says — October 14, 1884 : — 

"You do well to record in print the events of your noble father's life: 
for it was one of those brave, earnest, quiet, hardworking and devoted 
lives which do honor to the human race. 

" It was my privilege to know him well, and, during some years, to 
enjoy intimate relations with him. 

"Of the many noble manly men whom I have met during a somewhat 
long official life, no man impressed me more tlian he by his daily life, 
marked by a rare devotion to every duty, whether that duty referred to 
the Government which he so faithfully and ably served, to the friends to 
whom he was so loyal and true, to his family to whom he was so lovingly 
devoted or to his i-eligion in which he was so sincere and devout. 

" It was during the last thi-ee years of his life that I saw him most and 
knew him most thoroughly. The duties of his bureau in the War Office 
gave him severe labor, both mental and clerical. Yet he found time always 



LIEUT. COL. JULIUS P. GARESCHE. 505 

to listen to any young officer who had need of his counsel and advice and 
came to seek it : always time to listen to any tale of I'eal distress and to 
work for its relief: always time to attend strictly to his religious duties. 

" At the time Afhen, during the War his bureau's duties were vastly 
increased, its business was ahvays kept cleared up every night, and yet 
he found time, wearied and worn out as he must have been at the close of 
each day, to attend every meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul 
and to keep that Society even with its devoted work. 

"Bold and truthful, though unostentatious and modest, he never failed 
to raise voice and hand against any injustice or wrong which came properly 
to his notice : and while a model of proper military subordination to supe- 
rior authority he fearlessly and earnestly defended the right against whom- 
soever attempted to work injustice, no matter how high in authority the 
wrong-doer might for the moment be placed. 

"Gentle and unassuming in his every day life, he proved in the field 
that he possessed all the high courage and chivalrous sentiment of the 
true soldier. 

"It was not. my privilege to serve with him in his last campaign: but 
those who did there serve with him bore ample witness to his quiet dignity 
and gentleness in camp and his heroism in battle. No American soldier 
ever had a more soldierly death than he. 

" It was related to me that on the morning of the battle he knelt at sun- 
rise and received the Sacrament before the opening of the expected fight. 

" I attended his funeral in Washington, a sincere mourner for the loss of 
him Avhom I regarded as one of my best and truest friends: and with me 
there I found hundreds of the rich and poor of Washington who equally 
with me were, as I believe, as sincere mourners as the members of his own 
family. In the words, as I remember them, of the eloquent priest who 
pronounced the funeral discourse, * We had tears for ourselves ; tears for 
his family ; tears for his country ; for these had all lost him : but for him, 
the soldier who had been struck down in the full performance of duty, 
with the blood of his Saviour still coursing in his veins, we had no tears !' " 



THE END. 



I 



^: 



"rf- 



^ t 



^^ 



I. 



\^ / 



/• ■:? 



^-^^-:>-^ 






: ■•'St. -■«.■;.■• ^' 










' f 






f-'. 



■■• fi^ 



>i^. 5- 



:?:)yiS»$- 



\BRAf^'^ 



OFC 



ONGBESS 




0A1527 707 8 



^^^ 


■ 


^^ 


■ 


kssjssi 


ssss^^ 









